Multidisciplinary approaches in Health and Social care
Lecturer: Ms Dorianne Cachia
Course: Undergraduate certificate in nursing studies
Group Assignment
Assignment 1 of 2
Deadline date: 21st May 2025 8am (Malta time)
Assessment parameters:
A&A 1.2: Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of multidisciplinary
approaches
Mark
allocation
7
S&E 1.3: Evaluate how group dynamics affect teams.
10
K&U 2.3: Identify and list the professionals and para-professionals across a
range of health and social care settings.
5
S&E 2.4: Evaluate how the concept of care differs between professional groups
and how this might affect practice
10
S&E 2.5: Evaluate how a person’s view of themselves as a professional or paraprofessional can affect their view of multidisciplinary work
10
K&U4.1: Define conflict and how this can impact on multidisciplinary
approaches
5
A&A4.2: Examine the skills needed to resolve a conflict in a multidisciplinary
setting
7
K&U4.3: Identify a specific set of strategies to resolve conflict in the case of a
multidisciplinary setting
5
A&A4.4: Operate as a group to present findings on one case of conflict in a
multidisciplinary setting.
7
66
1
In 4 groups (refer to schedule ‘student group presentations’ on Microsoft Teams) develop a
PowerPoint presentation to fulfil the following criteria, supporting your presentation with
contemporary references from relevant theory/literature.
Task 1: Working in a Multidisciplinary approach (Related to case study chosen)
Refer to the case study below allocated to your group and answer the following questions:
A. From a patient centred approach, explore the healthcare professionals that may be
involved in meeting your patient’s needs and explain why you would include them?
(K&U 2.3; S&E2.4) 15 marks
B. How can these healthcare professionals work together? Discuss the attributes, skills
and behaviours required for healthcare professionals to succeed in working together
as a team.
(S&E 2.5) 10 marks
C. Drawing on relevant sources, discuss the benefits of working in a team when caring for
your patient’s needs
(A&A 1.2) 3.5 marks
D. Drawing on relevant sources, discuss the barriers that might inhibit a professional to
work in a team when caring for your patient
(A&A 1.2) 3.5 marks
2
Case Study 1: Stroke Rehabilitation – A Multidisciplinary Approach
John, a 67-year-old retired teacher, was admitted to a rehabilitation hospital after
experiencing a stroke and was treated at a nearby acute hospital. He had right-sided
weakness, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. A multidisciplinary team, was assigned
to his care. His wife of 63 years old together with their 2 sons were willing to participate in his
care to regain independence as much as possible. After six weeks of rehabilitation, John
regained partial mobility, improved his speech, and was discharged with a home therapy
plan.
Case Study 2: Managing a Diabetic Patient with Complications
Maria, a 55-year-old woman with Type 2 diabetes, was admitted for a diabetic foot ulcer and
uncontrolled blood glucose levels. She was overweight and had difficulty adhering to a
healthy diet. Following 2 weeks of acute hospital care, Maria’s ulcer healed, and her blood
sugar levels improved. She adopted a healthier diet and routine follow-ups were scheduled
to prevent complications.
Case Study 3: End-of-Life Palliative Care
David, a 72-year-old man with stage IV pancreatic cancer, was receiving palliative care at
home. His pain was increasing, and his family struggled to provide care. Following several
input from different health care professionals, David was able to stay at home comfortably
with adequate pain management, and his family felt supported in his final weeks.
Case Study 4: Emergency Trauma Response
Jake, a 30-year-old construction worker, was admitted to the emergency department after a
severe car accident. He had multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and a traumatic brain injury
were surgery as required. Jake’s surgery was successful, and he was transferred to the ICU for
further monitoring. With rehabilitation, he regained mobility and cognitive function.
Case Study 5: Elderly Patient in a Geriatric Home
Mrs. Eleanor Grant, an 84-year-old retired accountant, has been living in a geriatric
residential home for the past two years. She has multiple chronic conditions, including
osteoarthritis, hypertension, mild dementia, and urinary incontinence. Recently, staff noticed
she has become increasingly withdrawn, less mobile, and occasionally confused. She has also
had two recent falls.
Mrs. Grant has no close family nearby—her daughter lives overseas—and most of her social
interactions are with staff or other residents. She used to enjoy reading and gardening but
has lost interest in both.
A care review is initiated due to her recent decline.
3
Task 2 – Conflict
Reflect on ONE case of conflict that happened at the workplace and answer the below
questions in a presentation.
1. Define conflict and give examples of why conflict may occur within the MDT (2.5 marks)
K&U 4.1
2. Provide an overview of your chosen case of conflict that occurred in a multidisciplinary
setting (7 marks) A&A 4.4
o Who were the HCPs involved?
o How did conflict arise?
o Who was affected when conflict arouse?
o Was the conflict resolved? How?
3. Explain the effects of conflict when working in a MDT approach (2.5 marks) K&U 4.1
o Look at the Negative and positive effects of conflict.
4. Explain what may cause poor group dynamics and present strategies that may be used
to improve group dynamics (10 marks) S&E 1.3
5. Discuss the attributes, skills and behaviours needed to overcome a conflict in a
multidisciplinary setting (7marks) A&A 4.2
6. Outline the strategies healthcare professionals can use to resolve a conflict within a
multidisciplinary setting. (K&U 4.3) 5 marks
o Which strategies can HCPs use?
o What are the advantages and disadvantages for each
o Which strategy is best to use?
4
Instructions to students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
This assessment requires you to work in groups which will be agreed in advance
with the lecturer.
Each group will need to select a case study from the below.
Each group will need to answer the corresponding questions to each case study by
presenting a 25-minute PowerPoint presentation in class, followed by a 10-minute
discussion between the lecturer and peers in class (Timer used).
All students need to participate in the presentations. Working in team is important
to avoid repetition of the same concept.
In addition to your PowerPoint slides, you can have a one-sided A4 notes sheet
(prompt sheet) for yourself to refer to if needed. This will not be handed in. This
prompt sheet is to be used as a guide during your discussion and not to read
directly from it.
Students are expected to participate in the discussion following each presentation
as marks are allocated to this.
Please support your work with relevant literature, showing evidence of research
supporting the main argument of the question.
Referencing needs to be in according to the British Harvard Referencing standard
throughout the presentation.
Presentation and reference list to be uploaded on VLE.
Please ensure to include the MCAST front sheet and adhere to the general
presentation formats for clarity and readability.
Total marks allocated for presentation: 66 marks.
Presentation tips:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Keep slides simple and not text-heavy – use bullet points, images, or infographics.
Use large fonts and clear graphics for easy readability.
Don’t read directly from slides – they should support your speech, not replace it.
Once you discuss points, you must state where you have obtained this information
from.
Make sure that there is a good flow of information without any repetitions in your
answers.
Rehearse multiple times, alone and with your group, to build confidence.
Time yourself to ensure you stay within the given limit.
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace – don’t rush.
Try to use peer reviewed journals and books from the last decade
You must present an extensive selection of references used at the end of your
assignment in a Harvard style of referencing.
When looking for definitions of professionalism, try resources like the NHS, WHO or
the Council for Nurses and Midwives in Malta (CNM) to outline the various principles
healthcare professionals should abide with in being professional in their work.
5