Multidisciplinary care is considered the best way to treat, plan, and care for people with lung cancer. Research shows that having access to a multidisciplinary team (MDT) lowers the average time between diagnosis and treatment from 29 days down to 11 days.1
The benefits of this approach can include starting treatments sooner, better chances of survival, and easier access to information and support.
Who might be on my team?
An MDT is a group of healthcare professionals who are experts in different parts of your treatment. They meet to create and review treatment plans for people with cancer. This helps everyone communicate better and makes sure all treatment options are considered.
Your team might work in different places, like hospitals, clinics and community health centres, and can include:
- Respiratory physician
- Medical oncologist
- Radiation oncologist, radiologist, radiation therapist
- Surgeon
- Palliative care physician
- Lung cancer nurse
- Social worker
- Pharmacist
- Psychologist
- Physiotherapist
- Dietitian
- Pathologist and nuclear medicine specialist
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, your team should also include an expert in providing culturally appropriate care.
Ask your doctor about your treatment and care. If your hospital doesn’t have a MDT, ask your doctor how you can connect with other health professionals who can help.
Connecting with an MDT
To connect with a lung cancer team, your doctor will need to send a referral to a lung cancer specialist who already works with an MDT. Your doctor might need to contact the MDT coordinator to find out which specialists are part of the team before they can send a referral.
Our lung cancer MDT directory can help you find teams in Australia near you.
If you can’t find a team near you, talk to your lung cancer specialist about other options, like phone or video calls.
If you live in NSW or ACT, you can also search for lung cancer specialists on the Canrefer website.
Frequently asked questions
Will I know if my case is being discussed by an MDT?
If you’re not sure that your lung cancer has been discussed at an MDT, it’s important to discuss this with your lung cancer specialist.
Will I attend an MDT meeting about my condition?
Usually, people with lung cancer don’t attend. Your lung cancer specialist will represent you and discuss your case.
How often will MDTs review my case?
Your case will be discussed at the start to confirm the diagnosis, agree on staging and plan treatment. It might be discussed again if your treatment plan needs to be reviewed due to a change in your condition.
What if there isn’t an MDT at my local hospital?
Ask your lung cancer specialist if they can connect with an MDT remotely, like through a video call.
We’re here to help
If you’d like to talk to someone or have questions about lung disease or lung cancer, our Information and Support Centre team is here for you. This service is free, confidential and available Monday to Friday from 8 am – 4.30 pm (AEST). You can call us at 1800 654 301 (free call) or email enquiries@lungfoundation.com.au.
Lung cancer specialist nurse
Our lung cancer specialist nurses offer phone support for people with lung cancer, their families, and carers. These experienced oncology nurses can provide the latest information about diagnoses, treatments, symptom management, wellbeing tips and other support services. To make a free phone appointment, call our Information and Support Centre on 1800 654 301 (free call) or book online.
Sources
- Lung Foundation Australia, “Making lung cancer a fair fight: a blueprint for reform” (2018)
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