The impact of a pancreatic cancer multi-disciplinary clinic on patient-centric outcomes.

Abstract

641 Background: A one-day multi-disciplinary clinic allows for a comprehensive evaluation of patients in a single-visit format. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a one-day pancreatic cancer multi-disciplinary clinic (PMDC) on patient-centric outcomes. Methods: Patients with pancreatic cancer who were seen at The Ohio State University PMDC from January 2021 to March 2023 were identified. Patient-centric outcomes were evaluated including time from diagnosis to first evaluation and treatment, number of supportive care referrals completed, and number of physical trips to the medical center leading up to the first treatment. Outcomes were compared to pancreatic cancer patients seen in the year prior to the opening of the PMDC (non-PMDC). Results: Among the 139 PMDC and 141 non-PMDC patients, the median number of days between referral and treatment initiation was similar (PMDC: 33 days (IQR: 22, 44) vs. non-PMDC: 32 days (IQR: 23, 42); p >0.9). The median time between diagnosis and treatment initiation was also similar (PMDC: 28 days (IQR: 19, 37) vs. non-PMDC: 30 days (IQR: 21, 37); p=0.4). Of note, PMDC patients received more supportive care visits within 30 days of diagnosis (PMDC: 2 (IQR: 1, 2) vs. non-PMDC: 0 (IQR: 0, 1) ; p <0.001) and completed more visits with cancer providers (PMDC: 7 (IQR: 6, 8) vs. non-PMDC: 5 (IQR: 4, 7); p <0.001) compared with non-PMDC patients. In addition, PMDC patients also required fewer physical trips to the medical center (PMDC: 4 (IQR: 3, 5) vs. non-PMDC: 4 (IQR: 3, 6); p <0.001). Conclusions: Pancreatic cancer patients seen in a one-day multi-disciplinary clinic attend a greater number of coordinated appointments and receive more supportive care services with fewer physical trips to the medical center compared with patients not seen in a PMDC clinic. Future studies should focus on the long-term patient-centric benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach for cancer patients.