Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) play an important role in bringing genomics into everyday clinical care, across all specialties. The team-based approach also creates valuable learning opportunities that support this shift.
Studies show that MDTs help non-genetics clinicians feel more confident using genomics as part of care. As confidence grows, straightforward cases are often managed locally without an MDT, while more complex cases are referred to MDTs.1
For genetics-trained team members, each MDT meeting is a chance to support others, share knowledge and build confidence across the broader healthcare team, including primary care.
Specialist and primary care clinicians can use MDTs to learn about genomics and share their own clinical insights, especially when it comes to interpreting genetic results.
Tips to support learning in MDTs
- Explain as you go. Don't assume everyone knows genomic terms.
- Keep acronyms to a minimum. If needed, explain it the first time you use it each meeting, e.g. VOUS as variant(s) of uncertain significance.
- Give reasons, not just answers. For example:
- Instead of: “No, this patient does not require genetic testing.”
- Try: “No, this patient does not require genetic testing because [X, Y, Z]."
- For particular clinical areas, instead of: “No, this patient will not benefit from further clinical testing.”
- Try: "No, this patient does not require further specific clinical testing because [X, Y, Z]."
- Share useful resources, such as:
- NSW Health Education and Training Institute Centre for Genetic Education
- continuing professional development activities in disease-specific or primary care areas.
- Create a safe space for questions and encourage team members to speak up.
- Support others in building confidence with disease-specific genetic information and variant interpretation and classification.
Example of renal service multidisciplinary team meeting or clinic service delivery model
Genomic multidisciplinary team meeting model for mainstreaming
References
- Jayasinghe, K., Stark, Z., Patel, C. et al. Comprehensive evaluation of a prospective Australian patient cohort with suspected genetic kidney disease undergoing clinical genomic testing: a study protocol. 2019.
- Ma A, O’Shea R, Wedd L, et al. What is the power of a genomic multidisciplinary team approach? A systematic review of implementation and sustainability. Eur J Hum Genet. 2024;32:381–391. DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01555-5