Thread by @rcgp

#RCGPcouncil now debating a policy paper on the multi-disciplinary team introduced by @michael_mul1. What additional barriers remain to the successful recruitment and integration of the MDT within general practice?

#RCGPcouncil member says GPs want to continue doing everything but GPs should not be managing complex co/morbidity alone. GPs cannot do it all and must look for support from the MDT.

#RCGPcouncil member says support, supervision and oversight from GPs is crucial for the successful integration of the multi-disciplinary team. Regulation of physician associates must be sped up.

#RCGPcouncil member talks about the importance of population health and asks how we make it as attractive as possible to work in an MDT setting? Suggestion to build on the success of practice nurses and focus on recruitment.

#RCGPcouncil member says that leadership training must be available to all and not just a select few. There must be additional resource for the considerable time GPs spend managing a multi disciplinary team.

#RCGPcouncil member says that practice nurses and physician associates must get more support and development. It’s essential that members of the MDT are properly supported if patients are to receive the level of care they deserve.

#RCGPcouncil member says our profession has become unrecognisable from decades ago & it’s positive that the MDT is now embedded in general practice. However, GPs must be supported & resourced to manage MDT teams; the work cannot be soaked up with no additional resource.

#RCGPcouncil member asks what @rcgp can do to effectively explain the role of the MDT to patients? How do MDT members work with voluntary and community networks? Are there examples of best practice that can be shared?

#RCGPcouncil says it’s crucial we communicate what the MDT offers but more important we communicate what the GP can offer. We must not lose sight of core general practice & workload levels are currently completely unsustainable.

#RCGPcouncil member says MDT working has now become established in primary care but if the @rcgp is to remain relevant it must own the debate around the future of multi disciplinary team working.

#RCGPcouncil member says the role of the GP is changing and evolving and wonders whether the @rcgp should revolve with it: Should we reset and rebrand to be a Royal College of Primary Care consultants?

#RCGPcouncil discussion on the MDT is summarised by @michael_mul1. He thanks Council members for the quality of debate & says it’s crucial we help colleagues and patients understand the role of the MDT team.

A big theme was training & supervision - how do we train our trainers?