There are many different types of MDTs geared towards the needs of older adults specifically. MDTs are used in a number of fields (education, medicine, business, social services). Types of Problems Addressed by Multidisciplinary Teams The development and use of protocols to introduce predictability and accountability into the case review process, including protocols for conflict resolution. Group and individual outcomes are influenced by the team.Р”Р„ll members of the MDT have equal input and prohibit a single member from dominating the group. MDTs are characterized by a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or an Interagency Agreement (IAA). The entire team participates in the decision making process, sharing information, and sharing successes. Rooted in the biopsychosocial model, MDTs are defined as a group of people (comprised of representatives from three or more disciplines who work collaboratively), bound by a common purpose (the MDT has a shared goal and shared definition of the problem they are addressing), and is characterized by five elements: Innovative solutions like this are occurring all across the country. For example, in Texas, the MDT assigned a geriatric nurse practitioner for half a day per week to the APS office as a resource for APS caseworkers. Over time, your MDT may identify needs in the community that the MDT may want to address. The Toolkit item titled: Additional MDT Activities, details activities that other MDTs have seen fit to undertake. Always obtain feedback from your MDT members.Р”Р‡inally, many MDTs feel compelled to expand into other arenas. In addition, although it is the responsibility of the MDT Coordinator to bring the team together, there are times when a different structure will perform better. An MDT may start out doing things one way, but over time may find that the protocol is no longer working for the team. In some cases it takes persuading a strong leader in the community that an MDT is needed.Р”Р„ word of warning: Be flexible. There is frequently a charismatic and energetic leader in the community who advocates for a change in the systemРІР‚в„ўs response to elder abuse, and who is politically savvy and has the influence to obtain the cooperation from multiple agency heads. Teamwork does not arise through the simple organization of professionals and calling the group a РІР‚Сљteam.РІР‚Сњ Because MDTs are so challenging to develop, it typically takes strong leadership to implement an MDT. The size and structure of an MDT will reflect the needs and resources of the community in which it is developed.Р”Р„s will be discussed in detail, starting an MDT is challenging. Any community can develop an MDT, even communities with limited resources that preclude the development of a complex MDT model, such as an Elder Abuse Forensic Center. Elder abuse MDTs will continue to evolve as more communities utilize the model and gain experience with them.Р”В¬ommunities have differing political issues, geographies (rural, urban, suburban), and demographics. Most of what we know about MDTs is based on experience rather than research, suggesting MDT practice may change with new knowledge. Although MDTs have been in existence for decades, they are only recently gaining widespread acceptance and adoption.

Police mdt