What is the vMDT?
The vMDT is a secure online forum
providing healthcare professionals quick and easy access to multi-specialist
advice for patients with ongoing or unresolved symptoms following cancer
treatment. The aim is to improve the outcomes and quality of life for people
experiencing these issues.
Our experts cover a range of
specialties and offer support for ongoing or unresolved problems after cancer
or its treatment, however long ago active treatment ended. We will accept
referrals for patients who have received any treatment for any cancer, as long
as they are at least 6 months post-diagnosis.
Consequences of cancer and its treatment in primary care
We know that once many people have
finished active treatment for cancer, and are no longer within hospital
follow-up, that their GP or Practice Nurse is their first point of contact for
any ongoing problems. We recognise that the role of primary care in cancer is
expanding, including a key role in survivorship care, and the management of
late and long-term consequences (The
Lancet Oncology, 2015).
Around 625,000 people in the UK
are affected by the long-term consequences of cancer or its treatment,
resulting in debilitating physical and psychological problems that may not
appear for months, years or even decades after treatment. (Throwing
Light on the Consequences of Cancer, 2013).
In primary care terms, this means
that approximately 15 patients per 1500 practice list size will experience
ongoing problems following cancer or its treatment.
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Per 3,000 practice list size
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Per 6,000 practice list
size
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Per 12,000 practice list size
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How does the vMDT benefit primary care?
GPs can access advice from a range
of experts at the same time for patients who may be experiencing one or more
ongoing problems. The service is tariff-free, there is no cost for using the
system and accessing the advice of the experts available.
No problem is too complex or too
general – with our range of experts, covering so many specialties, we are able
to provide support for many common and rare consequences of treatment; from
gastrointestinal problems to cardiology advice and input from specialist
dietitians.
You will receive bespoke advice
from a tailored expert panel and have the opportunity for open discussion in a
secure online forum. The final case summary will be created within 2-4 weeks of
the referral being submitted, which collates each of the experts’ suggestions
into a single document.
The vMDT as a resource for GPs
Once a case has been referred to
the vMDT, all experts have provided input, and a case summary has been produced
– the case summary will be available for those registered on the vMDT system to
access as an educational resource. We hope that the project will be able to
create a library of case studies that can benefit all healthcare professionals
in the support and management of people with consequences of treatment.
To access the Macmillan vMDT and register as a user,
visit the website by clicking www.macmillan.org.uk/vmdt. If you require any assistance or further
information, please contact vmdtcoordinator@christie.nhs.uk.
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Further information and support for GPs
Gateway C is a new online toolkit and
features the vMDT as a resource for primary care healthcare professionals seeking
advice for patients experiencing consequences following cancer treatment.
The RCGP Consequences of Cancer toolkit has a
range of information for supporting patients after a cancer diagnosis,
implementing the Recovery Package, identifying and managing consequences of
treatment, supporting self-management, and physical activity.
