Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham's Disease Alliance Forum / Odds & Ends / Word of the Week / Multidisciplinary / Latest Posts

RE: Multidisciplinary

Jack Kelly — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:36:15 GMT

A critical issue in this discussion of the medical team is discussed by Dr. Judith Allanson, MD, a pediatric geneticist:

"Most primary care physicians know little about [Gorham's Disease or lymphangiomatosis], thus a team approach is needed, . . . the team must include a physician who feels comfortable with the diagnosis and care of [Gorham's disease and lymphangiomatosis]".

As a parent of a patient, I know of the long-term scenario of care and uncertainty dealing with a rare disease. This is an issue for discussion with the primary. The situation may stabilize, but the problem is unlikely to go away completely. Feel free to discuss this long-term commitment-need with your primary.

RE: Multidisciplinary

Jack Kelly — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:06:41 GMT

I have read from the recent glossary from Boston Children's Hospital - the noted Vascular Anomalies Center at Harvard, that the term 'interdisciplinary' is also used when describing the team-member treatment approach. It differs from 'multidisciplinary' to the extent of geographic location. Here is how BCH defines 'interdisciplinary' :

"Meaning the team members meet in [the] same location to discuss
a patient or problem versus 'multidisciplinary' approach meaning
specialist[s] reside in different locations and communicate by
letter, email, or telephone about the problem"

The important point is the emphasis of specialist-team-members.

Multidisciplinary

Jack Kelly — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:19:57 GMT

Multidisciplinary approach

A major action or undertaking ensuring the contribution of several specialized disciplines, and the coordination at all levels between and among the participants for the benefit of comprehensive treatment in difficult and less common cases.

Because Gorham's disease & lymphangiomatosis are known to have the potential to affect multiple organs and systems of the body, treatment at a center where multi-specialists are available must be given serious consideration. For example, a musculoskeletal tumor specialist, bone pathologist or orthopedic surgeon may be needed where there is bone involvement; if located in the skull or spine then a neurosurgeon can be brought onto the case; if presentation is in the chest, a pulmonologist, pulmonary pathologist or thoracic surgeon may be required. Notable consideration should also be given in determining what other resources are available in pediatrics, hematology, oncology, radiology, endocrinology, neurology, gastroenterology, cardiology, and general surgery which may be needed to be part of the evaluation, assessment, treatment, and ongoing management of the patient's condition.

Consult regularly with your doctors and identify the specialists you will need for your multidisciplinary team, and be the facilitator for collaboration with your local medical team.