The multi-disciplinary team (MDT)
The multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is a group of specialists with expertise in caring for patients at different stages of their transplant surgery. Here are the different specialists you can expect to meet along the way.
Lung transplant consultants
Lung transplant consultants are medical doctors who review patients referred for lung transplant and help decide whether transplant would be a good option for them. For patients on the active list, they oversee their ongoing care to ensure they are still well enough to remain on the list. After surgery, the lung transplant consultants work with other team members to care for patients. This includes managing their lifelong medications and overseeing their long term care in the post lung transplant clinic.
Lung transplant surgeons
Lung transplant surgeons perform complex surgeries to replace a patient's diseased lung(s) with healthy donor lung(s). They work with other members of the MDT to select donors and match recipients. They also perform surgery to retrieve organs from donors. After lung transplant surgery, they manage the patient’s post operative recovery.
Transplant coordinators
Transplant coordinators are specialist nurses who manage patients' care before transplant. They will explain the transplant process and educate both patients and families around the complications of lung transplants. They coordinate the assessment and investigations to see if a patient is suitable for transplant. They also assist and coordinate the logistics of organ retrieval, and notify patients if a potential donor offer comes available. They are a primary contact for patients and families pre-transplant.
Post-transplant nurse specialists
Post transplant nurse specialists support patients with lifelong recovery after transplant. They work with the wider team to offer patient education and specialist advice. They are key in managing patients' post transplant care. Patients will meet them regularly at their follow-up clinic appointments.
Anaesthetists
Anaesthetists are specialist doctors who provide medication during surgery to make sure you are unconscious and pain free. They assess your history before transplant so they can provide the right medications. They will monitor you constantly during the surgery to keep you stable and to support your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.
The intensive care team
The doctors and nurses on the intensive care team look after patients while they are recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) post surgery. They provide 24/7 complex care, and work with other team members to manage any complications patients may have in early recovery. They help get patients breathing on their own and walking again.
Social workers
Social workers help patients and their care partners deal with emotional, social and financial challenges before and after transplant. They can connect patients with the right resources, advise on financial supports and provide guidance as they plan for the future. Their role involves making sure patients understand what is involved throughout the transplant journey, and ensuring they will have enough support at each stage.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists help patients stay active and build up physical strength throughout their transplant journey. Before transplant, they work with patients who have poor exercise tolerance or muscle loss, giving them exercises to try and prepare them for a successful transplant. After transplant, they guide patients through their recovery, by focusing on improving their functional capacity and getting patients moving early on to prevent complications.
Dietitians
Dietitians are experts in nutrition. They work with patients before transplant to develop an individualised nutrition plan to keep them as strong as possible. After transplant, they work with other team members to ensure patients are getting the right nutrition to help their recovery.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists help patients understand and manage the complex range of medications they need to take after transplant. They educate patients on their new medications, and stress the importance of taking each one as prescribed, and at the right time. Many medications have side effects and interactions. Pharmacists teach patients what to look out for, and what drugs should be avoided altogether.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. During the assessment, they evaluate patients to see if they are psychologically ready for surgery and lifelong care. They may support patients before and after surgery, helping in their readjustment or rehabilitation. They may also provide medications.
Psychologists
Psychologists can support patients' emotional and mental well being before and after transplant. They don't provide medication, but rather focus on other treatments like counseling and ongoing support.
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists help you regain your independence and get back to your everyday activities after transplant.
Speech and language therapists
Speech and language can help if you experience speech or swallowing difficulties after surgery.
Palliative care team
The palliative care team is a group of doctors and nurses who help patients manage their symptoms to improve their quality of life. They also provide support for patients at end of life.
To see a full list of the transplant team members, visit the Mater Hospital website.