Timeliness of care for breast cancer patients with a single day multidisciplinary clinic.

Abstract

e18750 Background: Single-day multidisciplinary cancer clinics began in the 1960s, but have been difficult to institutionalize due to a lack of literature demonstrating the benefits for patients and the high cost of implementation1. Other institutions have shown that patients are seen by specialists sooner, receive treatment earlier, and have reduced stress when care is delivered in this model 1-6. MDA sought to improve breast cancer patient’s access by implementing a single-day multidisciplinary clinic in 2013. Methods: We identified local patients (within 150 miles) who were treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center Main for breast cancer from March 2016 to March 2022. Patients were either seen in the single-day multiteam (MT) model (Table 1) with coordination between surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology or by specialists in the traditional model. Time from referral to first completed provider appointment was analyzed. Results: A total of 4,999 patient records were reviewed. 2,288 were seen in MT and 2,711 were seen in the traditional model. Median number of work days from referral to first appointment completion was 8 days vs 14 days respectively (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: A single-day MT visit is associated with reduced time from referral to first appointment completion. Further studies are warranted to determine if this shorter interval can improve patient outcomes and experience. Multiteam Protocol Plan Time frame Prior to clinic visit Nurse Patient Access Coordinator obtains pertinent medical information for initial encounter Multiple days prior to visit Clinic Day PA meets with patient to perform H&P, review acquired imaging and pathology, describe multiteam goals, and briefly discuss treatment options 11:00-11:30 PA presents patient cases to surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. Treatment options are discussed. 2:00-2:30 Entire team meets the patient and performs an exam. 2:30 Encounter with medical oncology to discuss systemic treatment options. 2:45 Encounter with surgical oncology to discuss surgical treatment options. If necessary, patient consents for surgery. 3:15 Encounter with radiation oncology to discuss radiation therapy. 3:45 Nurse wraps clinic day with necessary patient teaching and assistance with scheduling any required further work up. 4:15.