Authors: Mohammad Faris Hasan , Esraa Al Holi , Mohammed Samir Khusheim , Aubrey Espiritu , Abdallah Ahmed Aldahoun

Abstract

Background: As populations age, long-term care (LTC) facilities increasingly manage patients with multimorbidity, frailty, and cognitive decline. Traditional single-discipline models often fail to address these complexities, whereas multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) enhance coordinated, patient-centered care. In Saudi Arabia, MDT integration aligns with Vision 2030’s goals for efficient, family-centered healthcare delivery.

Methods: A 6-month quasi-experimental comparative study was conducted in two LTC hospitals in Riyadh: Care Medical Malaz (CMM), implementing the MDT model, and Care Medical Rawabi (CMR), using a conventional single-provider approach. Data from patient records and validated survey tools (FAMCARE, AHRQ Teamwork Climate, and patient satisfaction questionnaires) were analyzed using SPSS v28. Independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analyses evaluated differences in clinical, staff, and patient outcomes, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: CMM significantly outperformed CMR across key performance indicators, including higher restraint and catheter removal rates, greater family meeting frequency, and more swallowing assessments (p < 0.001). Staff satisfaction was substantially higher in leadership, communication, and professional growth domains (overall p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction scores were superior in care quality, safety, and family involvement (overall p < 0.001), reflecting enhanced ethical governance and teamwork culture.

Conclusion: The MDT approach demonstrated measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, safety culture, and satisfaction among LTC patients, staff, and families. Findings support the expansion of MDT frameworks in Saudi LTC hospitals to achieve Vision 2030’s integrated healthcare objectives.

Keywords: Multidisciplinary team, long-term care, patient outcomes, staff satisfaction, Saudi Arabia, family-centered care.