Work

Patient-initiated multidisciplinary teams: addressing complex care challenges and enhancing daily life – a qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with multimorbidity often encounter complex care needs. Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus introduced a novel approach: enabling patients to initiate Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) conferences with specialists. This study explores daily challenges in complex care and compares them between MDT initiators and non-initiators. METHODS: Among 4189 patients from the diabetes clinic who received an invitation about the intervention, 14 MDT initiators and 28 non-initiators were recruited from this larger pool for qualitative interviews conducted between 2022 and 2023. The research methodology employed Interpretive Description Methodology, with Aaron Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence theory as the theoretical lens. RESULTS: Few patients initiated the MDT, with most non-initiators considering it irrelevant. MDT initiators expressed greater concerns about polypharmacy and experienced more pronounced symptoms of fatigue, physical pain, and psychological distress. However, no considerable differences were found in physical limitations and perceived well-being between the two groups. Both faced challenges managing chronic illnesses and uncoordinated schedules. CONCLUSIONS: Notable differences exist between MDT initiators and non-initiators, with initiators demonstrating heightened awareness of daily care complexities. This suggests promising results for patients with complex care needs to engage with a multidisciplinary team, discuss a coordinated care plan, and improve self-management. However, further research is needed on non-initiators, who constitute a substantial portion of our study population, to identify those who may benefit from enhanced, cross-departmental coordination to cope with the daily challenges of chronic illness.

Source: BMC Health Services Research

DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-13996-9

Authors: Mikkel Aagaard, Trine Boje Møller, Steen Bønløkke Pedersen, Terese Matthesen Kamronn, Charlotte Gjørup Pedersen

Institutions: Aarhus University Hospital, Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University

Language: English

Topic: Chronic Disease Management Strategies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290