LMIC-06. WEB-BASED SURVEY RESULTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL PEDIATRIC NEURO-ONCOLOGY TUMOR BOARD AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND The International Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (WUSM) was established in January 2021 as a monthly multi-disciplinary collaboration to help guide the care of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumor patients worldwide. The quarterly integration of Neurofibromatosis (NF) meetings expanded the initiative in September 2021. This survey explores participant experiences and their satisfaction aiming to optimize this international collaboration. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was distributed via a web-based platform in September 2023 amongst the participating healthcare professionals. RESULTS Fifty-three respondents from 23 countries completed the survey. The majority identified as pediatric hematology-oncologists (59%), and 10% as neuro-oncologists. Ninety-eight percent attended at least one session over two years, and 71% actively engaged in the quarterly NF meetings. Sixty percent attended more than five meetings, and 29% engaged in over 10 meetings. Barriers to attendance were primarily attributed to time constraints (71%) and conflicting professional or personal experiences (27%), while only 7% cited technical limitations and lack of awareness. Ninety-one percent reported that the meetings provide valuable educational insights and knowledge, particularly addressing challenging pediatric neuro-oncology cases. Additionally, 95% acknowledged the tumor board meetings’ positive contribution to professional development. Consensus recommendations emerging from the tumor board were reported to align with institutional recommendations (71%), be clear and comprehensible (93%,) and led to improved outcomes (93%). Notably, meeting frequency, leader expertise, knowledge enhancement, and level of engagement had positive influence on the participants’ willingness to attend the meeting. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals attending the WUSM International Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board reported the effectiveness of this virtual meeting format, its impact on professional development, and the alignment of recommendations with diverse institutional needs. The study provides valuable insights to further enhance the program’s sustainability, international collaboration, and overall effectiveness in improving global pediatric neuro-oncology patient care.