The multidisciplinary team in diagnosing and treatment of patients with diabetes and comorbidities: A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) has been suggested as an intervention to overcome some of the complexities experienced by people with diabetes and comorbidities in terms of diagnosis and treatment. However, evidence concerning MDTs within the diabetes field remains sparse.

Objective

This review aims to identify and map available evidence on key characteristics of MDTs in the context of diagnosis and treatment in people with diabetes and comorbidities.

Methods

This review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Databases PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies assessing any type of MDT within the context of diagnosis and treatment in adult people (≥ 18 years) with diabetes and comorbidities/complications. Data extraction included details on study characteristics, MDT interventions, digital health solutions, and key findings.

Results

Overall, 19 studies were included. Generally, the MDTs were characterized by high heterogeneity. Four overall components characterized the MDTs: Both medical specialists and healthcare professionals (HCPs) of different team sizes were represented; interventions spanned elements of medication, assessment, nutrition, education, self-monitoring, and treatment adjustment; digital health solutions were integrated in 58% of the studies; MDTs were carried out in both primary and secondary healthcare settings with varying frequencies. Generally, the effectiveness of the MDTs was positive across different outcomes.

Conclusions

MDTs are characterized by high diversity in their outline yet seem to be effective and cost-effective in the context of diagnosis and treatment of people with diabetes and comorbidities. Future research should investigate the cross-sectorial collaboration to reduce care fragmentation and enhance care coordination.