Multi-Disciplinary Teams in Australia and New Zealand

The Australian and New Zealand Head Neck Cancer Society holds multi-disciplinary care as a core value. Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) of medical and allied health professionals cooperatively develop treatment options for each patient. Patients with head and neck cancer benefit from having their treatment discussed in an MDT meeting and care provided by an MDT.

Multi-Disciplinary Teams in Australia and New Zealand

The Australian and New Zealand Head Neck Cancer Society holds multi-disciplinary care as a core value. Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) of medical and allied health professionals cooperatively develop treatment options for each patient. Patients with head and neck cancer benefit from having their treatment discussed in an MDT meeting and care provided by an MDT.

Multi-Disciplinary Teams in Australia and New Zealand

For patients, MDT care improves:

  • Survival rates
  • Efficient and timely progression from diagnosis to treatment
  • Care in accordance with clinical practice guidelines
  • Access to more ‘whole of patient’ care with expert input from a number of highly trained specialists and allied health professionals
  • Information access
  • Satisfaction
  • Opportunity for second opinions
  • Access to research trials.

For clinicians, MDT practice:

  • Reduces service duplication
  • Streamlines management pathways
  • Enhances communication and co-ordination
  • Provides educational opportunities
  • Improves patient outcomes
  • Increases research opportunities
  • Provides support where decision-making may be difficult.

Following are summaries of the local MDTs and their contact details in Australia and New Zealand. Most are staffed by many of our ANZHNCS members.

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Victoria
Western Australia
New Zealand