Medical cannabis treatment: What is an MDT?

MDTs are a cornerstone of the UK healthcare system, not just in the medical cannabis sphere. From cancer to mental health, and anywhere in between that requires complex treatment, MDTs are a key part of managing chronic or complex conditions with a focus on finding the best possible health outcomes.

As the name suggests, an MDT is a collaborative team of medical professionals and support staff from diverse disciplines who work together to provide comprehensive patient care. Rather than relying on just one nurse, doctor, or specialist to oversee treatment, an MDT brings together expertise from all members to create a well-rounded, personalised treatment plan based on the patient's specific health needs.

How does an MDT enhance medical cannabis treatment?

Medical cannabis treatment in the UK is rarely a first-line treatment and is most often prescribed to patients with chronic conditions who have not responded well to more conventional treatments. We are talking about patients with long-standing pain issues, mental health concerns, and chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy to name a few.

These patients have tried multiple treatment options and are frequently experiencing complex symptoms (or heavy side effects from conventional treatment options) that require a personalised approach - and one that is overseen by more than a single specialist. By bringing together a team of experts from different medical backgrounds, MDTs ensure that no aspect of a patient's health is overlooked or treated in isolation.

Releaf's MDT approach: personalised care at its core

Gone are the days when healthcare was seen as a one-size-fits-all approach.

At Releaf, we understand that every patient's health journey is unique. Even for patients battling the same health issue, their symptoms, experiences, and treatment preferences can and do vary - because we are all unique as individuals. This is why our MDT approach is at the core of our medical cannabis treatment plans.

Each member of the Releaf MDT brings their specialised knowledge to the table. Whether it's a prescribing specialist discussing the most appropriate strain and dosage for a patient's condition, a mental health specialist providing counselling and support, or a patient support expert offering guidance and education throughout the process, our team works together to provide a fully comprehensive health assessment and then uses that information to create a personalised treatment plan based on the patient's personal needs.

What makes Releaf’s MDT different?

Over the past year, Releaf has been at the forefront of revolutionising the medical cannabis sector in the UK by tackling some of the industry's biggest challenges head-on.

Through partnerships with Glass Pharms® and SOMAI Pharmaceuticals, we've resolved supply chain issues that once hindered the UK medical cannabis industry. Our £2 million investment in a bespoke Patient Dashboard has streamlined access to treatment, prescription ordering, and educational resources, making the patient experience more seamless than ever.

Perhaps most importantly, we've brought together a truly world-class clinical team comprising some of the UK's top prescribing specialists, GPs, nurses, and patient support experts, all specifically trained in the unique demands of medical cannabis care. What sets our MDT apart from the pack is our focus on patient-centred care.

How Releaf ensures MDT efficiency for patients

Most private medical cannabis clinics in the UK hold just one or two MDT meetings per week, leaving patients waiting upwards of five days for their treatment plans to be reviewed. If any adjustments are required, this delay can stretch on.

At Releaf, we've taken a more patient-focused approach. Our MDT meets two to three times daily, ensuring all patients are assessed promptly. This schedule not only allows for quicker decision-making but also means our clinicians have more opportunities to discuss cases and share their knowledge.

We asked Releaf's Medical Director, Dr Sue Clenton, how she sees the Releaf MDT approach benefiting patients:

"At Releaf, we hold two/three MDTs daily to make sure all patients' cases are assessed in a timely manner, and to provide every MDT team member the opportunity to contribute their expertise.

The collaborative nature of these meetings means every patient’s care is assessed by experts from a range of specialities, including neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology and palliative care to name just a few. This breadth of knowledge across the MDT means all aspects of patient care can be considered. Sometimes treatments may be altered, or further reviews or advice sought.

By pooling our expertise, we ensure patients receive a safe, effective, and thoroughly personalised treatment plan. This structure also allows us to adapt quickly to increasing patient numbers while maintaining the highest standard of care."

Start your Releaf journey today

Head to our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker to instantly find out if you may be eligible for a Releaf medical cannabis prescription. It takes less than 30 seconds to complete and could be your first step towards better health, and a brighter future. Join the Releaf community and experience the difference in our patient-centred MDT approach today.

While you’re there, check out our New Patient blog series, where we cover all the pressing questions our new patients have when starting medical cannabis treatment. 

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