Motor Neurone Disease - Multidisciplinary Clinic

**Please be aware that you may be in clinic for 3-4 hours as you will see a number of people from the multidisciplinary team - this clinic replaces several separate visits to see individual team members.**

What is a Multidisciplinary Clinic?

A multidisciplinary clinic involves a group of healthcare professionals, known as the multidisciplinary team:

• Each team member specialises in a particular area.
• All of the team members work together to ensure that you receive the best quality care.
• This means that you are likely to see several different people at the same clinic appointment.

Who is in the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?

• Consultant Neurologist – will answer questions and try to resolve any problems that you may have. The neurologist may also prescribe medication to help with any symptoms you may be suffering from.
• Motor Neurone Disease (MND) nurse specialists – co-ordinates care and provides support and advice. They also run a helpline service for non-urgent advice.
• MND specialist Physiotherapist – may carry out a physical assessment and give advice on issues such as muscle stiffness, postural support, mobility, exercise, pain and chest care.
• Healthcare Assistant - will record height, weight and blood pressure, and do your breathing tests.
• MND specialist Occupational Therapist – will discuss with you the difficulties you may be experiencing with participation in activities that are important to you. These may be everyday tasks, leisure and hobbies or work related activities. By exploring these together, potential methods of overcoming these difficulties can be identified.
• MND specialist Speech and Language Therapist – will discuss any concerns you may have regarding your communication and swallowing. This may include assessment and advise on how to support these areas now and if required in the future.
• Socio-Economic Family Support Advisor - gives advice on benefits you may be entitled to. They offer employment and financial information.
• MND Association Regional Care Development Adviser – will provide information about national and local services. They can provide support and arrange later home visits.
• Clinic Volunteer - will meet and greet you at clinic and provide refreshments.
• Research staff - will inform you about research and help you participate in appropriate research studies, if that is your choice.
• Clinicians in training - may be receiving training in the care of people with MND by observing in the specialist clinic. All your care will be from fully trained staff. If you prefer the trainee to leave, just let us know.
• Clinical Neuropsychology – offers therapy for low mood, anxiety or adjustment, if you wish for a referral following the clinic. Also provides assessment of memory and other cognitive skills if this is required.

 

Why should I come to the MDT MND clinic ?

• Attending a multidisciplinary clinic will ensure you receive the best care available.
• A multidisciplinary clinic may help improve your quality of life by relieving any symptoms that you may have.
• You can discuss treatment options. It is important to be aware of treatments early and have appropriate measures in place before your disease progresses.
• It is a good opportunity to learn more about MND and  be referred to local services.
• A multidisciplinary clinic, referred to as a ‘one stop shop’, can save you from having to attend several hospital visits.

 

When I arrive in clinic, what will happen?

• You will have some simple breathing tests, and height, weight and blood pressure checks.
• You will meet the consultant neurologist who specialises in MND. The neurologist will then decide with you which other members of the team you would benefit from seeing during your visit.

 

How often will I go?

•  This is a once only appointment.

 

Do I need to bring anything?

• Please bring a list of all your current medications with you. Your repeat prescription is ideal.
• We provide refreshments but you may want to bring something for your lunch or there is a small coffee shop on the ground floor of the Sid Watkins building.
• Please bring names and contact details of any social or healthcare professionals involved in your care.
• You may also want to bring a family member or friend for support.
• If you want physiotherapy or occupational therapy advice on equipment you have been given, bring the equipment or full name of the item.
• It is advisable to write down any questions you may have about your diagnosis before attending the clinic. 

 

Your care plan

You will receive a copy of the care plan, which is a summary of issues that you have talked about in clinic.  If you have a community team, please show it to them. 

 

What if I think of some questions when I get home?

If you have any questions about MND then you can phone the helpline number: 0151 556 4008

 

Your help improving our service 

Following your clinic visit, you will receive a short questionnaire. This will ask you about your general  satisfaction with the visit.

Please complete this as your opinion is important to us and will help us improve the service.