Models of multidisciplinary working: international review

Summary

Aim:

To identify and compare current models of multi-disciplinary team (MDT) working in rural primary care provision in a range of developed countries.

Objective:

To provide context and comparative information on the contractual arrangements for MDTs in other developed countries to demonstrate what lessons can be learnt.

Method:

Structured interviews with key informants in a selection of identified developed countries.

Results:

• Interviews with rural health providers were a very effective and rewarding method, despite the fact that it was rapid, and unstructured sample, with missing elements.
• Participants had additional relevant information, not available in the formal literature. The process sparked interest and goodwill amongst participants who all agreed to be co-authors on the report.
• The Issues in rural primary care are complex, and so are the solutions. Rural health care delivery is a challenge everywhere, not just Scotland.
• Culture and context are important in relation to health service delivery, and it is difficult to change established practices.
• Necessity drives change. The most challenging environments often have the most innovation. There is much to be learnt from indigenous health delivery models in relation to multi-disciplinary team working.
• There are specific examples of excellence that Scotland can learn from.