Interdisciplinary vs. Multidisciplinary
Terry Stewart
Interdisciplinary pain management involves healthcare professionals from various fields collaborating and communicating effectively in a shared treatment approach, whereas multidisciplinary pain management involves professionals working together more independently with less integrated planning and communication (Jessup, 2007).
Essentially, interdisciplinary pain management aims for a more holistic and unified approach, while multidisciplinary pain management involves a more independent approach with less emphasis on integrated care. Interdisciplinary teams coordinate and integrate their efforts for cohesive treatment approach that provides improved positive outcomes, patient satisfaction, and ultimately reduces the burden on the health system (Jessup, 2007) (DeBar et al, 2012).
Interdisciplinary Pain Management:
- Integration: Interdisciplinary teams collaborate by combining their expertise to create a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan.
- Shared Philosophy: Incorporates a core philosophy of rehabilitation and patient-centred care that is shared by all team members.
- Communication: Frequent and open communication is essential for effective collaboration and coordinated care. Consistent education and messaging helps prevent patient confusion, which can worsen psychosocial factors and contribute to ongoing pain.
Example: A physical therapist, psychologist, and pain specialist might work together to develop a treatment plan that combines physical therapy with psychological interventions like cognitive-behavioural therapy, all within a unified framework.
Multidisciplinary Pain Management:
- Separate Disciplines: Professionals from different disciplines work independently, each providing their own expertise without effective communication with the other treating health professionals.
- Individual Plans: Each discipline may develop their own treatment plan based on their specific area of expertise. Limited of no co-ordination or collaboration of treatment strategies.
- Less Integration: There’s less emphasis on integrating approaches and sharing a common treatment philosophy. Communication between the treating health professionals is not always practiced.
Example: A patient might see a physician for medication management, a physical therapist for exercises, and a psychologist for therapy, with less direct communication or integration of these treatments.
(Jessup, 2007) (DeBar et al, 2012).
Key Differences Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary:
Element | Interdisciplinary | Multidisciplinary |
Integration | High, integrated approach | Lower, more parallel approach |
Shared Philosophy | Unified rehabilitation philosophy | Less importance on shared philosophy |
Communication | Consistent and open communication | Less frequent or coordinated communication |
Treatment Planning | Coordinated and integrated treatment plans | Individualised treatment plans within each discipline |
Jessup, 2007) (DeBar et al, 2012).
Individuals with chronic pain face physical and psychosocial challenges and often receive inconsistent, ineffective biomedical care that doesn’t resolve their pain or dysfunction. Allied health practitioners should shift from passive treatments to patient-centred active self-management strategies, ensuring clear communication to avoid conflicting information. When confusion arises, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to provide cohesive patient care (Jessup, 2007) (DeBar et al, 2012).
References
- Jessup, R., L. 2007. Interdisciplinary versus multidisciplinary care teams: do we understand the difference? Australian Health Review August Vol 31 No 3.
- DeBar, LL., Kindler, L., Keefe, FJ., Green, CA., Smith, DH, Deyo, RA., Ames, K., Feldstein, A. 2012. A primary care-based interdisciplinary team approach to the treatment of chronic pain utilizing a pragmatic clinical trials framework. TBM., 2:523-530.