Published in:
01-03-2013 | Healthcare Policy and Outcomes
Multidisciplinary Cancer Team Meeting Structure and Treatment Decisions: A Prospective Correlational Study
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 3/2013
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Background
Anecdotally, organizational factors appear to have an effect on the quality of decision-making in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. We assess the effect of the number of team-members present, number and order of cases, and the timing of meetings on the process of decision-making in MDT meetings.
Methods
Between December 2009 and January 2010, data were prospectively collected on treatment decisions, meeting characteristics, quality of information, and teamworking for all cases discussed at a London-based MDT meeting. Variables measured using a validated assessment tool (MDT MODe) and correlational analyses were performed.
Results
Treatment decisions were reached in 254 of 298 (85 %) cases. Cases toward the end of meetings were associated with lower rates of decision-making, information quality, and teamworking (r = −0.15 to −0.37). Increased number of cases per meeting and team members in attendance were associated with better information and teamworking (r = 0.29–0.43). More time per case was associated with improved teamworking (r = 0.16). A positive correlation was obtained between ability to reach decisions and improved information and teamworking (r = 0.36–0.54; all P ≤ 0.001).
Conclusions
Organizational factors related to the structure of the MDT meeting are associated with variation in the likelihood of reaching a treatment decision. Further research is required to establish causation and to modify such factors in order to improve the quality of cancer care.