The EDUCATE Framework: A Practical Approach to Building Efficient and Effective Multidisciplinary Clinics in Ambulatory Care

Objective: Multidisciplinary clinics (MDCs) aim to provide streamlined, coordinated care and better clinical outcomes for patients requiring access to multiple specialists with unique expertise. Despite broad endorsement in clinical guidelines, no generalizable framework exists for MDC development. Methods: Drawing on published principles of collaborative care, pediatric-specific considerations, and the authors’ collective experience, we propose a seven-step framework (EDUCATE) for establishing effective MDCs: Envision the MDC, Develop the team, Undertake the business proposal, Consolidate support, Activate operations, Team-build/educate/engage, and Expand the mission. Results: The framework was implemented in a pediatric MDC for Prader–Willi syndrome, with measurable improvements in patient access, care coordination, and family experience. Conclusions: The EDUCATE framework provides a structured, replicable process for building sustainable MDCs in ambulatory care settings.