SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “multidisciplinary”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Innovative multidisciplinary research in environmental epidemiology: the challenges and needs.

The ability of epidemiology to determine the relationships between health and environmental insults has become exceedingly difficult. The multifactorial nature of disease and the diversity of the insults, which include biologic, physical, social and cultural factors, combined with genetic susceptibility, suggest the need to develop better models of multidisciplinary epidemiologic investigation. This paper highlights the needs of an environmental epidemiologic team, discusses ways to incorporate new ideas across disciplines and to integrate constructs and paradigms of social, ecological, cultural and population determinants with individual-based exposure assessments. Innovation will be the key to the survival and increasing importance of epidemiology in addressing the public health needs of the future, but what are the ways to enhance and encourage creativity in environmental epidemiology? The process of self-renewal and continuing education will be highlighted. Additionally, the complexity of the problems and the need for clear supervision and control of multidisciplinary research efforts require a forum of communication and an 'information-processing approach' beyond those in traditional epidemiologic studies. New approaches in data management and medical informatics must be incorporated into the epidemiologic investigative framework. Methods to be included should focus on opportunities for computer-supported sharing of ideas. Such capabilities minimise the geographic distances and the disparate knowledge and training of the investigators and bring the team closer to the objectives and functions inherent in multidisciplinary investigation.

Databases as Topic↗

PubMed1998

The importance of the case management approach: perceptions of multidisciplinary team members.

This article attempts to determine the importance of the case management approach as perceived by health professionals working in multidisciplinary teams. The case management approach is reported to streamline care and contain cost. The literature calls for continuing education in a multidisciplinary forum for all health professions; however, data on perceived or actual educational needs is scant. One hundred forty-one health practitioners working in clinical teams rated four case management components on 100 mm scales: assessing patient needs; educating caregivers; community agency liaison; and, cost monitoring. Statistical significance of differences was determined by Mann Whitney U and Wilcoxon rank sum testing. All scores were high, and of all variables tested, varied only by profession (p < .01). Administrators and nurses had relatively higher scores than physicians and physiotherapists. Patient needs were valued above education, education above liaison, and liaison above cost monitoring (p < .01, < .01, < .01, respectively). Continuing education providers should note that health professionals value case management and may be receptive to education. Further study is required to design educational modules for multidisciplinary use, test impact on knowledge and skills, and determine if transdisciplinary case management education can improve quality of care while containing costs.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed1999

Effective multidisciplinary communication in healthcare: cooperative documentation systems.

To support multidisciplinary communication and cooperation in healthcare, cooperative documentation systems (CDSs) have been developed. However, in the current generation of systems, communication problems that can pose a serious threat to smooth and effective cooperation have occurred and remain to be addressed. This paper presents a set of features that need to be considered in the design of a new generation of CDSs to avoid breakdowns in communication and cooperation. Our approach is solidly grounded in linguistic and social theories and based on empirical investigations of communication patterns in multidisciplinary healthcare. It is argued that this work provides a theoretically rigorous approach to the design of CDSs that will enable effective multidisciplinary communication and cooperation in healthcare.

Communication↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Multidisciplinary approach to the patient with multiple trauma: a case report].

A multidisciplinary approach to severe polytraumatized patient is very important for a rapid, uncomplicated recovery. Specialized centres with special beds, monitoring equipment, and a multidisciplinary team are required. The authors report a case of a 26-year-old man admitted to their department in an emergency setting for a crush injury (occupational trauma) of the lumbar, gluteal and perineal areas, complicated with septic shock and gas gangrene of the injured areas. A multidisciplinary approach to the patient, consisting in surgical and plastic surgical therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the use of a special antidecubitus fluidized bed allowed complete recovery within 7 months without any motor or sphincter disorders.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMed2002

Vulvology. A proposal for a multidisciplinary subspecialty.

OBJECTIVE: To underline the usefulness of a new multidisciplinary subspecialty devoted entirely to vulvar diseases, to be termed vulvology. STUDY DESIGN: Disorders of the vulva present a wide spectrum of clinical appearance, rendering clinical diagnosis difficult, if not impossible. The three types of physicians usually involved in treating the vulva (generalists, dermatologists and gynecologists) receive little training in and have little experience with vulvar problems. The end result is that women today are receiving far less than optimal care for vulvar disorders. RESULTS: This situation can be much improved through the establishment of vulvology as a new multidisciplinary subspecialty. Vulvology can become a neutral field for research and debate and can provide a point of consolidation for all clinical care (infectious, metabolic, oncologic, neurologic, psychological, etc.) of vulvar disorders. The interdisciplinary nature of this new subspecialty will also facilitate the standardization and systematization of the currently confusing terminology and classification applicable to vulvar disorders. CONCLUSION: Vulvology, as a new, well-defined, multidisciplinary subspecialty, will improve the care of women with vulvar problems through the delineation of vulvologists as physicians with special expertise in this area, the establishment of clinics devoted specifically to the care of vulvar problems and the provision of education for physicians, other health care providers and the public.

Female↗

PubMed2003

Treatment of difficult-to-control blood pressure in a multidisciplinary clinic at a public hospital.

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in disadvantaged populations remains high. Few innovative strategies or services to treat chronic diseases have been critically analyzed in these patients. We evaluated our initial experiences with a newly established multidisciplinary clinic For the treatment of difficult-to-control hypertension and describe reasons for poor blood pressure control as well as treatment strategies. Patients with blood pressures greater than 140/90 despite concurrent treatment with three or more medications for at least three months were referred to our clinic. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, health beliefs and behaviors were collected. Two physicians jointly proposed an explanation for lack of blood pressure control. A multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists aggressively assessed and reinforced educational objectives tailored to individual needs. 58% of patients achieved target blood pressure at six months, but 22% were lost to follow-up. The most common reasons for previous treatment failure were volume overload and poor medication adherence. We conclude that a multidisciplinary clinic for difficult-to-control blood pressure can be successful in a large, urban hospital serving a disadvantaged minority population. However, more study is needed to delineate the specific reasons for success and further refine treatment strategies.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The multidisciplinary approach to hemodialysis vascular access at the Mount Sinai Hospital.

A majority of the quarter of a million end-stage renal disease patients nationwide are treated with hemodialysis. Important and frequent causes of morbidity and mortality, when they undergo this procedure, include vascular access infection and thrombosis associated with the use of catheters and, to a lesser extent, grafts. Therefore, an arteriovenous (AV) fistula is the preferred hemodialysis access. A multidisciplinary approach, including nephrologists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, nurses, nephrology fellows, and nephrology physician assistants, meeting together weekly, should improve hemodialysis outcomes by promoting the use of AV fistulas. The specific roles of the interventional radiologist, vascular surgeon, nephrologist and other members of the multidisciplinary team are reviewed. Important additional components of this program are Doppler ultrasound for preoperative hemodialysis access vein mapping and screening techniques for early detection of arteriovenous graft stenosis. The use of arteriovenous fistulas in the Mount Sinai outpatient hemodialysis program has increased from 15% to 43% (p<0.001) and substantially limited catheter use since 1998, when the multidisciplinary program began.

Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Is there a relationship between the structure of Irish psychiatric multidisciplinary teams and patient outcome?

This study evaluated the structure of psychiatric multidisciplinary teams within eight Irish Health Boards over a two year period (1997 and 1998). Furthermore, it assessed the relationship between team structure and three measures of psychiatric outcome within individual Health Board areas. The findings suggest a significant variation between Health Boards in relation to the staffing of psychiatric multidisciplinary teams. Although there was no evidence that the structure of multidisciplinary teams influenced suicide rates or duration of hospitalization, it had a significant independent effect on admission rates to psychiatric units.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Diagnosis of palpable breast masses: ultrasound-guided large core biopsy in a multidisciplinary setting.

Cytologic diagnosis of palpable breast masses is an accepted method for diagnosis. However, the high nondiagnostic rate causes repeat biopsy, unnecessary delays, and increased costs. Our purpose is to evaluate the use of ultrasound (US)-guided large-core needle biopsy as part of the minimally invasive multidisciplinary diagnosis of palpable breast masses. We studied 502 consecutive patients with 510 palpable solid breast masses seen and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. Patients had US-guided core biopsy. Clinical-imaging-pathologic correlation (CIPC) was done in all cases. Core biopsy was deemed conclusive if CIPC was congruent and was used to guide definitive management. The median age of our patients was 39 years. Median tumor size was 2.2 cm. Of these cases, 463 (91%) had a conclusive diagnosis on CIPC. Core needle findings on 47 masses were nondefinitive to guide therapy (fibroepithelial lesion, atypical ductal hyperplasia, intraductal papilloma, CIPC). Three cancers were detected in this group on excisional biopsy. In conclusion, US-guided large-core needle biopsy is a sensitive method for diagnosis of palpable breast masses. Multidisciplinary correlation of clinical findings, imaging, and pathology is essential for success. This approach improves use of operating room resources and maximizes patient participation in the decision-making process.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

[Organization and impact of the multidisciplinary committee in oncology].

Medical practices in oncology are expected to be more and more multidisciplinary, yet few articles studied how this may be concretely applied. This article is describing the functioning of a multidisciplinary specialized committee in a rare tumor. 219 medical cases during 26 meetings between 09/04/2003 and 14/02/2004 had been studied. Discussions had been observed, described and studied qualitatively and quantitatively. At the time of a national plan has been launched to impose obligatory the consultation of such committees before any treatment strategy, two lessons can be drawn from this case study. On the one hand, it shows that a multidisciplinary committee may be an organizational tool facilitating the emergence of collective decisions, since it may facilitate the formulation and the discussion of alternative options (72 cases out of 219). More generally, to take treatment decisions, members of the committee exchange arguments that deal mostly with clinical and psychological condition of the patient (50 cases out of 219), state-of-the-art knowledge (39 cases out of 219) and individual experience of the practitioners (33 cases out of 219). On the other hand, this article intends to underline that the creation of such committees cannot be considered as a sufficient condition to improve the quality of treatment decisions. Indeed, this case study shows that the quality of decisions does not only rely on the collective deliberation, but also on the individual and specific competencies of some members of the committee that other members admit.

Decision Making↗

PubMed2005

Effect of a multidisciplinary intervention on communication and collaboration among physicians and nurses.

BACKGROUND: Improving communication and collaboration among doctors and nurses can improve satisfaction among participants and improve patients' satisfaction and quality of care. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a multidisciplinary intervention on communication and collaboration among doctors and nurses on an acute inpatient medical unit. METHODS: During a 2-year period, an intervention unit was created that differed from the control unit by the addition of a nurse practitioner to each inpatient medical team, the appointment of a hospitalist medical director, and the institution of daily multidisciplinary rounds. Surveys about communication and collaboration were administered to personnel in both units. Physicians were surveyed at the completion of each rotation on the unit; nurses, biannually. RESULTS: Response rates for house staff (n = 111), attending physicians (n = 45), and nurses (n = 123) were 58%, 69%, and 91%, respectively. Physicians in the intervention group reported greater collaboration with nurses than did physicians in the control group (P < .001); the largest effect was among the residents. Physicians in the intervention group reported better collaboration with the nurse practitioners than with the staff nurses (P < .001). Physicians in the intervention group also reported better communication with fellow physicians than did physicians in the control group (P = .006). Nurses in both groups reported similar levels of communication (P = .59) and collaboration (P = .47) with physicians. Nurses in the intervention group reported better communication with nurse practitioners than with physicians (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary intervention resulted in better communication and collaboration among the participants.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair by a multidisciplinary team: lessons learned and six-year clinical update.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) (using an Federal Drug Association-approved AneuRx device) compared to conventional surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) previously rendered favourable outcomes regarding post-operative pain, avoidance of laparotomy, and rapid rehabilitation and hospital discharge in high-risk patients, including octagenarians. OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety, reduction in aneurysm-related deaths, and interim survival data up to 72 months after AAA exclusion by endoluminal endografts (EVAR). DESIGN: We carried out an open, controlled, prospective, multidisciplinary EVAR study for the period 1998 to 2003 (six years). In the earlier part of the study, EVAR was compared with previously published results of conventional open aneurysmectomy surgery. SETTING: Heart Unit, Panorama Medi-Clinic, Parow, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited adult male and female patients presenting with AAA and fulfilling the inclusion criteria for endovascular repair, as recommended by the consensus 2003 meeting of the Vascular Association of South Africa (VASSA). All patients were offered open surgery as an alternative and were entered into the VASSA EVAR trial registry. Pre-operatively, AAA anatomy was assessed by spiral-computed tomography (CT), and selectively with conventional angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Informed consent was obtained in accordance with the recommendations of the Senate of Surgery Paper 2, Ethical Guidelines, Great Britain and Ireland. Patients underwent EVAR by a multidisciplinary interventional team. INTERVENTIONS: Two hundred and seven adult patients with AAA were assessed. Forty-four of the 207 (21.2%) were excluded from EVAR because of irreversible comorbid factors and complex aneurysm morphology. One hundred and sixty-three patients (78%), with a mean age of 70.7 years (range 60-91 years), underwent EVAR (1998-2003). Five patients were lost to follow-up (3%). Median AAA diameter was 56.9 mm and ASA ratings were I, 1.2%; II, 15.9%; III, 57%; IV, 22.6%; and V, 2.4%. EVAR was performed in high- and low-risk categories of both sexes. Most patients were in ASA groups III and IV. DEVICES DEPLOYED: EVAR was performed using a selection of endografts over 72 months- AneuRx (Medtronic) 47; Talent (Medtronic) 49; Vanguard three; Zenith (Cook) one; Powerlink (Endologix) 62; and other, one. RESULTS: Thirty-day outcome: successful deployment 99%, primary stent patency 97%, surgical conversion 0.6%, procedural or intra-operative mortality 1.2%, 30-day mortality 4.3%, endoleaks 1.84%, and secondary intraprocedural endovascular interventions 24.5%. Perioperative mortality was 3.1% (one aneurysm related). One patient had suspected endograft infection. Late mortality was 21.4% (35 patients due to co-morbidities, and one was aneurysm related). Follow-up was a median of 28.3 months (range 1-69 months). In 163 patients, two persisting endoleaks (1.2%) were detected. Endotension was detected in 3/163 (1.8%) with average sac increase of 0.8 cm. Conversion to open surgery was needed in one patient (0.6%). Co-morbidities that contributed to late mortality included multi-organ failure, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), cardiomyopathy, renal failure, stroke and cancer. One procedural rupture was fatal (0.6%). Two late ruptures occurred; one was successfully endostented and the other patient died after a failed surgical intervention (0.6%). Endovascular repair of AAA is more expensive than conventional surgery. Introduction of the Endologix stent has reduced operative time from 120 to 60 minutes in un complicated patients. Newer-generation aortic stents allow better control of negative remodeling and stent migration. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary team can safely perform EVAR, with a low 30-day mortality rate in selected patients graded ASA II-IV and with favourable aortic aneurysm morphology. About 22% of patients with AAA are not suited for EVAR. Persisting late endoleaks occurred in 1.2% of the cohort study and were not device specific. Life-long follow-up post EVAR is a prerequisite to detect late device failure, endoleaks and aneurysm-sac enlargement, and to assure the durability of these midterm results. Short-term aneurysm rupture prevention is a predictable outcome in high-risk groups.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Multidisciplinary approaches for management of fibromyalgia.

Multidisciplinary approaches to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) treatment are advocated for treating the complex symptoms and problems confronting many patients. Exercise and cognitive-behavioral strategies together with patient education commonly comprise the multidisciplinary approach to treatment in clinical trials. A review of the research literature suggests that they are effective for decreasing pain and FMS impact and increasing self-efficacy and physical functioning. Limitations of the current evidence base include a lack of studies that include medication treatment as part of the multidisciplinary approach as well as lack of attention to the diversity of patient psychosocial issues that may interfere with treatment effectiveness. The review recommends that further randomized clinical trials be carried out with subgroups of patients using standardized outcome measurements, adequate treatment length and sufficient length of follow-up to be able to observe and document changes in patient symptoms and behaviors over time.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗

PubMed2006

[Treatment of epithelial thymic tumours: towards a multidisciplinary management].

INTRODUCTION: Thymic epithelial tumours (TET) are rare. Their optimal management is still not well defined on account of their rarity and the consequent difficulty of clinical research into the subject. This review presents the current clinical and therapeutic data, emphasising the need for a multidisciplinary management of advanced stage TET. CURRENT SITUATION: Three situations may be defined: localised tumours requiring radical surgery following a careful search for associated paraneoplastic syndromes; tumours with capsular invasion requiring surgery and adjuvent radiotherapy; advanced stage TET where only multimodal treatment is capable of improving the prognosis by increasing the percentage of complete resections while optimising local control with adjuvent radiotherapy. VIEWPOINT: An evaluation of the multimodal strategies for the treatment of advanced stage TET requires the establishment of multidisciplinary collaborative trials. The contribution of new therapies, somatostatin analogues and targeted therapies needs to be defined. CONCLUSIONS: The management of advanced stage TET should rest upon a multidisciplinary dialogue between a team of specialists, ideally in the framework of collaborative trials.

Carcinoma↗

PubMed2006

Efficacy of multidisciplinary approach in treatment of constipation: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a multidisciplinary Hong Kong treatment programme for patients with constipation. DESIGN: Pilot study. SETTING: A joint collaboration among the departments of surgery, physiotherapy, and dietetics in a regional hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS: Thirty-one constipated patients with normal colonic transit and pelvic floor dyssynergia. INTERVENTION: Multidisciplinary treatment including dietary modification, bowel habit adjustment, and physiotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anorectal manometry, fibre intake, subjective improvement, bowel frequency, Bristol score, and straining time and effort. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found in mean fibre intake, straining time and effort, but not in anal manometric results. A total of 78% of patients demonstrated more than 50% improvement in subjective symptoms, whereas 70% of the patients enjoyed objective improvement in pelvic floor dyssynergia documented by electromyography and anal pressure during a push effort. CONCLUSION: The multidisciplinary rehabilitative programme for constipated patients significantly improved symptoms. Electromyography and anal pressure during a push effort are useful tools for objective assessment of the treatment effect.

Constipation↗

PubMed1991

The effect of a multidisciplinary team approach on weight gain in nonorganic failure-to-thrive children.

Failure-to-thrive (FTT) is a chronic symptom accounting for 1% of all patients admitted to pediatric hospitals. FTT, which is traditionally attributed to organic (OFTT) and/or nonorganic (NFTT) causes, results in undernutrition. Undernutrition has potentially serious effects on child development, behavior, and cognitive skills. We undertook a study of children with FTT to determine whether multidisciplinary team treatment resulted in improved weight gain compared with children treated in a primary care setting. Fifty-three children with NFTT referred to our outpatient FTT consultative clinic and 107 children with NFTT identified as comparison subjects from our primary care clinic (PCC) were enrolled in the study. Growth outcomes over a 6-month follow-up were analyzed using growth quotient (GQ) analysis. Children followed in the multidisciplinary team clinic grew better (GQ = 1.75 +/- 0.39 SD) than did children in the PCC (GQ = 1.18 +/- 0.42 SD, p less than .001). The use of a multidisciplinary team offers special advantages in the rapid correction of undernutrition in children with NFTT.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1990

[The multidisciplinary outpatient pain clinic in relation to anesthesia. An important task for the anesthesiologist].

Anesthesiologists have always played a leading role in research into pain and its treatment. Their efforts, however, have been focused on acute or postoperative pain problems. It was the American anesthesiologist John J. Bonica who fought for an increased interest in chronic pain. The establishment of the first Multidisciplinary Pain Center at the University of Washington in Seattle, the foundation of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and Melzack and Wall's now 25 year old gate control theory were the driving forces behind rapid developments in research and treatment in the area of chronic pain. The realization that chronic pain was the most frequent cause of disability in the United States also gave an impetus for new efforts in treatment. The classic anesthesiological topics, such as operative anesthesia emergency medicine and intensive care, have been extended to include acute pain services and chronic pain treatment facilities. This reflects the understanding that anesthesiological knowledge and techniques can be valuable to patients in severe acute pain and those in lingering long-term chronic pain phases. Anesthesiologists are skilled in the use of opioid narcotics and in the administration of strong analgesics. Many severe pain problems can be solved by correct use of the analgesic regimen. Special ways of administering narcotic analgesics, such as epidural infusion or patient-controlled analgesia, have already alleviated the pain problems of many patients. Anesthesiological techniques are also crucial in diagnosis. Sequential differential blockade and simple nerve blocks can be helpful in the diagnosis and classification of the pain problems. Anesthesiological contributions to a chronic pain service are not restricted to medical interventions. Organizational skills are also needed for efficient running of multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities. Clinical practice in surgical anesthesia means that anesthesiologists are experienced in interdisciplinary work and familiar with the advantages and dangers of team work. Despite international acceptance of the multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain, there is still a lack of appropriate facilities in the German-speaking countries, and we consider it important that anesthesiologists commit themselves to increasing general awareness of what is needed.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗

PubMed1988

Chemotherapeutic strategies in the multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer.

A role for chemotherapy in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is yet to be defined. Results of uncontrolled studies indicate high response rates to induction chemotherapy and an association between a response to chemotherapy and either local-regional control or survival. Unfortunately, results of randomized, controlled trials have not confirmed an overall survival advantage with such treatment. From 1979 to the present, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has registered more than 224 patients on two trials of induction and adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage III to IV SCCHN. Protocol 80-016 (1979 to 1983) evaluated two cycles of induction cisplatin, bleomycin, and methotrexate/leucovorin (PBM) before local regional treatment in 114 patients. Eighty-nine (78%) patients responded to PBM, with 30 (28%) patients achieving a complete response (CR). After surgery and/or radiotherapy (RT), 46 responders to induction PBM entered a trial of the randomly assigned additional adjuvant PBM. Protocol 83-084 (1983 to present) randomly assigned patients to receive up to four cycles of either induction PBM or cisplatin and infusion 5-fluorouracil before local treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not used in the latter study. Updated results from both trials will be presented, with their implications for future phase II and III multidisciplinary studies. Optimal approaches to the treatment of patients with advanced SCCHN can include planned reductions in the extent of surgery or RT offered to selected patients with a good response to induction chemotherapy but may require adjuvant chemotherapy for patients at high risk for recurrent disease. Until the rate of CR to induction chemotherapy is reproducibly over 50%, documentation of an improved overall survival with multidisciplinary treatment may be difficult.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗