7 min read
Hannah Clark
MDTs are a cornerstone of the UK healthcare system, not just in the medical cannabis sphere. From cancer to mental health, and anywhere in between that requires complex treatment, MDTs are a key part of managing chronic or complex conditions with a focus on finding the best possible health outcomes.
In this article, we cover what an MDT is, why they are crucial for modern healthcare, and the role our multidisciplinary team plays in medical cannabis treatment.
Key takeaways
Contents
MDT stands for multidisciplinary team and is an essential part of any healthcare service.
The NHS describes an MDT best as “a group of professionals from one or more clinical disciplines who together make decisions regarding recommended treatment of individual patients.” These teams can include GPs, social workers, nurses, and more.
So, why do we need them?
Healthcare can be a complex environment with difficult decisions that need to be made in the best interest of the patient, and no one person has all the necessary skills and knowledge to do this alone.
A multidisciplinary team works together to ensure all aspects of a patient’s health are considered by multiple professionals, not just one. This collaborative approach allows for patient-centred care, with a group deciding together on the best course for the patient.
MDTs are common in cancer care, and a multidisciplinary team for a cancer patient may consist of a surgeon, oncologist, radiologist pathologist and specialist nurse who decide together what treatment and holistic care are best for the patient.
At Releaf, we use multidisciplinary teams too to make sure that each patient receives a well-rounded, personalised treatment plan based on their specific health needs, and that the proposed plan is in their best interest.
Medical cannabis treatment in the UK is rarely a first-line treatment, often prescribed to patients with chronic or complex conditions who have not responded well to more conventional treatments.
These patients have tried multiple treatment options and are frequently experiencing complex symptoms (or heavy side effects from conventional treatments) that require a personalised approach overseen by more than a single specialist.
By bringing together a team of experts from different medical backgrounds, MDTs ensure that no aspect of a patient's health is overlooked or treated in isolation.
At Releaf, we understand that every patient's health journey is unique. Even for patients living with the same health issue, their symptoms, experiences, and treatment preferences can and do vary. This is why our MDT approach is at the core of our medical cannabis treatment plans.
We've brought together a truly world-class clinical team comprising some of the UK's top prescribing specialists, GPs, nurses, and patient support experts, all specifically trained in the unique demands of medical cannabis care.
What sets our multidisciplinary team apart from the pack is our focus on patient-centred care, and who is on the MDT depends on the patient and their unique needs.
The multidisciplinary review is an integral part of any patient’s medical cannabis journey, and plays a crucial role in Releaf’s triage process.
After your initial consultation, the information you’ve provided (your medical history, symptoms, past treatments, test results, consultation notes, medicines you take) is all reviewed by a multidisciplinary team to ensure that medical cannabis treatment is suitable and in your best interest.
These reviews give our team a comprehensive understanding of your condition and your needs as a patient. If the MDT decides medical cannabis treatment is appropriate for you, the team will make a collaborative decision on what type of cannabis-based medication and dosage will be beneficial to create your medical cannabis treatment plan.
At Releaf, we've taken a patient-focused approach to medical cannabis treatment.
Our MDT meets two to three times daily, ensuring all patients are assessed promptly. This schedule not only allows for quicker decision-making but also means our clinicians have more opportunities to discuss cases and share their knowledge.
Medical cannabis treatment isn’t always what’s best for the patient, and this may be the decision the MDT comes to.
There can be varying reasons for this, but if the MDT collectively agrees not to continue with your treatment, your prescription will not be approved and you will be discharged from our care.
If the MDT decides cannabis treatment isn’t the right fit for you and you gave all your information accurately and truthfully, then you are entitled to a refund of your consultation fee through Releaf’s money-back guarantee, and our Patient Support team will get in touch to inform you of this.
At Releaf, we've taken a more patient-focused approach. Our MDT meets two to three times daily, ensuring all patients are assessed promptly. This schedule not only allows for quicker decision-making but also means our clinicians have more opportunities to discuss cases and share their knowledge.
We asked Releaf's Medical Director, Dr Sue Clenton, how she sees the Releaf MDT approach benefiting patients:
"At Releaf, we hold two/three MDTs daily to make sure all patients' cases are assessed in a timely manner, and to provide every MDT team member the opportunity to contribute their expertise.
The collaborative nature of these meetings means every patient’s care is assessed by experts from a range of specialities, including neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology and palliative care to name just a few. This breadth of knowledge across the MDT means all aspects of patient care can be considered. Sometimes treatments may be altered, or further reviews or advice sought.
By pooling our expertise, we ensure patients receive a safe, effective, and thoroughly personalised treatment plan. This structure also allows us to adapt quickly to increasing patient numbers while maintaining the highest standard of care."
During an MDT a group of specialists and professionals (such as GPs, nurses, consultants, specialists, etc) come together to review a patient’s healthcare information and come to a decision on the best course of treatment based on the patient’s best interest.
Yes, you could consider an MDT meeting as serious since a group of professionals are coming together to unite their knowledge and expertise to make a collaborative call on a patient’s course of treatment. That’s pretty serious stuff.
An MDT review is not, however, something you should be concerned about. Our team is dedicated to ensuring the best quality of care for each patient, and your best interests are at the heart of every decision made. Even if the decision is made not to continue with your treatment, rest assured this is not done lightly, and every aspect of the information you have provided will be taken into account.
Multidisciplinary teams are utilised across various areas of healthcare whenever a patient has complex, long-term conditions, or one that requires specialised input from different health and social care workers combined.
MDTs may be used in community mental health care, cancer care, stroke units, and more.
The MDT review is just one stage of the journey to medical cannabis treatment, but the first step is checking your eligibility with our free online medical cannabis eligibility checker. It ‘s quick, free, and could be your first step towards better health, and a brighter future.
While you’re there, check out our New Patient blog series, where we cover all the pressing questions our new patients have when starting medical cannabis treatment.
Or why not browse our full blog and education hub?
We have more than 500 articles covering all aspects of medical cannabis treatment, including product guides, condition-specific information, industry news and more.
Releaf - Redefining healthcare
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
Cannabis is illegal in Cyprus, but the Pharmaceutical Services states that medical cannabis patients can get a permit for taking their medication into the country. However, you should double-check with them and the High Commission before booking a trip.
No, you can’t. Recreational cannabis is illegal in Thailand and those caught with it can face imprisonment and heavy fines. Since June 2025, cannabis is only legal in Thailand with a Thai prescription, so UK medical cannabis prescriptions aren’t valid. Another bill was approved by the Thai cabinet in September 2026 to further tighten cannabis laws.
Generally, yes. Recreational cannabis is illegal, with coffee shops for residents tolerated rather than licensed. However, you can usually take medical cannabis to the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, but you’ll need a travel certificate and you should contact the Dutch embassy or customs for confirmation.
"Since starting my treatment plan with Releaf, I’m genuinely shocked at how well it has worked."Chloe Durrington, Releaf patient
