Experts in orthopaedic and burn care have emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals in managing musculoskeletal conditions and burn injuries. They stress that effective communication, teamwork, shared treatment goals, and coordinated care are essential for comprehensive treatment, rehabilitation, and psychological support. This call was made at the 47th Annual Scientific Conference of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.
The Medical Director of NOHIL, Dr Wakil Lawal, represented by Dr Francis Nwachukwu, noted that managing complex injuries now requires multidisciplinary care. He stated that the changing nature of healthcare makes teamwork important, as no single individual can manage complex injuries alone. Lawal urged healthcare professionals to strengthen professional interactions, share knowledge, and build collaborations to improve patient care.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Ranti Babalola, said the annual scientific meeting provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals to examine current practices, share ideas, and develop solutions to improve healthcare delivery. The conference theme, “Multidisciplinary Team Care in the Management of Musculoskeletal Disease,” highlights the importance of communication and collaboration among healthcare team members.
Keynote speaker, Dr Adedamola Dada, emphasized that successful treatment should not be measured solely by the technical outcome of surgery. He stated that patients should be placed at the center of treatment, with all relevant professionals involved from the beginning. Dada stressed that a coordinated team involving specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, and physiotherapists is necessary for effective care.
Dr Dada noted that musculoskeletal conditions affect bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and related structures, with causes ranging from trauma to degenerative conditions. He stated that the global burden of musculoskeletal conditions is substantial, with about one in three people worldwide experiencing one or more such conditions during their lifetime.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Dr Ayodele Iyun, discussed the importance of multidisciplinary care in managing burn injuries. He described burns as a major public health concern, causing death, disability, scarring, and long-term social and economic consequences. Iyun noted that children below five years carry a significant burden of burn injuries, with scalds common among children.
The experts also advocated for regular multidisciplinary meetings, electronic medical records, standardized treatment pathways, and strong clinical leadership to monitor patient outcomes. They emphasized that coordinated care can support earlier rehabilitation, reduce complications and hospital stays, and improve patient satisfaction.
Key points
- Experts stress the need for multidisciplinary care in managing musculoskeletal conditions and burn injuries.
- Effective communication and teamwork are essential for comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation.
- Coordinated care can improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and support earlier rehabilitation.
