The multi-disciplinary team - Who is liable when things go wrong?

The question of culpability over decisions made by the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is a contentious one. Currently, all members present remain responsible for the MDT's decision, but it is unclear whether the onus of decision making lies with the patient's "lead clinician", and how straight to test pathways (bypassing a consultation with a specialist prior to MDT discussion) impact on this. Additionally, should a non-consensus recommendation be reached, it remains undetermined how dissenting members of the MDT would be viewed in a court of law. Given these uncertainties, there remains a substantial risk of legal action against the MDT as a group. Until case law materialises to provide clarification on these issues, clinicians should improve their awareness over their medico-legal responsibilities and proceed with caution. Crown