Development and evaluation of a data-driven virtual interdisciplinary workshop to facilitate communication and teamwork in ambulatory medical oncology settings.

Abstract

551 Background: While adverse events and toxicities related to cancer drug therapy in the ambulatory oncology setting are common and often rooted in communication challenges, few studies have examined the problems of communication or tested tools to improve communication in this unique, high-risk setting. Our objective was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual interdisciplinary communication Workshop designed to strengthen communication across ambulatory oncology teams members. Methods: Surveys of patients and clinicians in one ambulatory oncology clinic were analyzed and informed the communication intervention: an interdisciplinary virtual Workshop. Workshop evaluation included an implementation survey measure and a structured debrief with Workshop attendees. Workshop content was tailored to address key findings from the patient and clinician survey data, including addressing quality, safety, teamwork, communication, and conflict issues. Results: 87 patients and 56 clinicians participated in pre-workshop surveys that revealed patient satisfaction with timely care and information, yet a range of rating communication experiences with the clinical team. Clinicians perceived a high amount of organizational safety, yet rated discussion of alternatives to normal work processes low. Survey results guided reflection and discussion within the Workshop. Six clinicians participated in the interactive Workshop. Feasibility and acceptability of the virtual Workshop were supported by summative data, along participant suggestions for improvement for the Workshop and a desire for long-term partnership in quality improvement. Conclusions: The patient and clinician surveys coupled with an interactive virtual Workshop were feasible and acceptable in an ambulatory oncology setting. The Workshop identified opportunities for individual- and system-level improvements in interdisciplinary clinical team communication. This promising strategy—incorporating clinic-specific data and communication techniques in a virtual interdisciplinary communication Workshop—requires replication in larger, more diverse practice samples.