Multidisciplinary Team Meetings Research Articles

The TSANZ and Lung Foundation Australia 2023 landscape survey of lung cancer care across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Unwarranted variations in lung cancer care have been well described in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with shortfalls in hospital-based workforce and infrastructure previously demonstrated. A survey of lung cancer clinicians was performed to gain an updated understanding of current workforce and infrastructure. An online Qualtrics survey included questions on institutional demographics, estimated lung cancer case load, multidisciplinary team (MDT) characteristics including workforce and local infrastructure. We sought to obtain one response from every institution treating lung cancer in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Responses were received from 89 institutions, estimated to include 85% centres treating lung cancer in Australia and 100% of public hospitals in Aotearoa New Zealand. Lung cancer nurse specialist and Nuclear Medicine are poorly represented in multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) with just 34/88 (38%) institutions fulfilling recommended core workforce for MDT meetings. Case presentation is low with 32/88 (36%) regularly discussing all lung cancer patients at MDT. Metropolitan institutions appear to have a more comprehensive range of services on site, compared to non-metropolitan institutions. Few (4/88) institutions have embedded smoking cessation services. Compared to the previous 2021 Landscape Survey, thoracic surgery representation and core MDT workforce have improved, with modest change in specialist nurse numbers. This wide-reaching survey has identified persistent deficiencies and variations in lung cancer workforce and gaps in infrastructure. Multidisciplinary collaboration and care coordination are needed to ensure all patients can access timely and equitable lung cancer care.

Simulation as an effective means of preparing trainees for active participation in MDT meetings

IntroductionCancer multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings are an important component of consultant workload, however previous literature has suggested trainees are not satisfied with their current curriculum in preparing for MDT working. MethodsThis educational pilot assessed whether multi-speciality simulated scenarios with pre-defined learning objectives, could prepare specialist registrars for interacting within an MDT. Participants completed pre- and post-questionnaires assessing a number of areas including: current experience of training, confidence presenting patients and whether the course would alter future practice. ResultsTrainee confidence increased significantly from a mean of 5 to 7 (mean to nearest whole number, p < 0.01). Trainees rated the session highly for utility and altering their future practice (mean scores of 9 for both respectively, out of 10). ConclusionSimulation has shown success in other multidisciplinary teaching, however to our knowledge there are no cancer specific training programmes. Our results highlight a potential gap in UK specialist training, and suggest simulation may be beneficial in preparing trainees to present in MDT meetings.

Impact on patient outcomes of spondyloarthritis-inflammatory bowel disease multi-disciplinary meetings.

To assess the impact on patient outcomes of the spondyloarthritis (SpA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings in a large university hospital. A single-centre retrospective observational case-note review was conducted assessing the outcome of all 226 cases discussed at the SpA-IBD MDT meetings in a large UK university hospital between 2017-2022. A total of 226 patients were discussed. It was deemed that 97% of MDT meetings helped to improve communication between teams, and 100% were educational. A total of 57% of discussions led to an instant change of disease management, while 40% of discussions resulted in a treatment plan that avoided the use of dual advanced therapy. This improved patient safety by reducing immunosuppression. The MDT meetings were highly cost and time efficient; 125 referrals between specialists were avoided, and in 51 cases there was a significant chance of reducing future drug costs. A timely investigation or appointment was arranged following 50% of MDT discussions, helping to clarify the diagnosis and optimise patient care. 9% of meetings enabled drugs to be prescribed to patients that are not yet licenced for the other speciality, thereby improving treatment options available in the management of complex cases. The MDT meetings have been beneficial for patients, the clinical team and the institution. This approach might be considered by other rheumatology and gastroenterology departments.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective study of characteristics and response to therapy.

The rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Australia is related to increasing rates of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This study aimed to prospectively characterize the metabolic profile, lifestyle, biometric features, and response to treatment of HCC patients in an Australian population. Multicenter prospective cohort analysis of newly diagnosed HCC patients at six multidisciplinary team meetings over a 2-year period. Three hundred and thirteen (313) newly diagnosed HCC patients with MAFLD (n=77), MAFLD plus other liver disease (n=57) (the "mixed" group), and non-MAFLD (n=179) were included in the study. Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) (43%) and MAFLD (43%) were the most common underlying liver diseases. MAFLD-HCC patients were older (73years vs 67years vs 63years), more likely to be female (40% vs 14% vs 20%), less likely to have cirrhosis (69% vs 88% vs 85%), showed higher ECOG, and were less likely to be identified by screening (29% vs 53% vs 45%). Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in the MAFLD and mixed groups. The severity of underlying liver disease and HCC characteristics were the same across groups. While the MAFLD population self-reported more sedentary lifestyles, reported dietary patterns were no different across the groups. Dyslipidemia was associated with tumor size, and those taking statins had a lower recurrence rate. Equal to ALD, MAFLD is now the most common underlying liver disease seen in HCC patients in Australia. Future HCC prevention screening and treatment strategies need to take this important group of patients into consideration.

The impact of oncological package implementation on the treatment of rectal cancer in years 2013–2019 in Poland – multicenter study

&lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; In 2015, in Poland, the oncological package (OP) was established. This law constituted a fast track of oncological diagnosis and treatment and obligatory multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT).&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of OP on rectal cancer treatment.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The study was a multicenter, retrospective analysis of data collected from five centers. It included clinical data of patients operated on due to rectal cancer between 2013 and 2019. For most analyses, patients were categorized into three groups: 2013–2014 – before OP (A), 2015–2016 – early development of OP (B), 2017–2019 – further OP functioning (C).&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; A total of 1418 patients were included. In all time intervals, the majority of operations performed were anterior resections. There was a significantly lower local tumor stage (T) observed in subsequent time intervals, while there were no significant differences for N and M. In period C, the median of resected nodes was significantly higher than in previous periods. Four of the centers showed an increasing tendency in the use of preoperative radiotherapy. The study indicated a significant increase in the use of short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) and a decrease in the number of patients who did not receive any form of preoperative therapy in subsequent periods. In the group that should receive radiotherapy (T3/4 or N+ and M0), the use of SCRT was also significantly increasing.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; In the whole cohort, there was a significant increase in the use of preoperative radiotherapy and a decrease in the T stage, changing with the development of OP. Nevertheless, this relation is indirect and more data should be gathered for further conclusions.&lt;/br&gt;

Enhancing Multidisciplinary Team Processes in Lung Cancer Care: A Self-Assessment Toolkit and Best Practices

Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) play a pivotal role in the comprehen­sive management of cancer. MDT meetings (MDTMs) bring together specialized experts across the entire patient care spectrum, convening regularly to discuss patient cases, select optimal diagnostic strategies, and determine the most ap­propriate treatment modalities. By fostering cross-disciplinary interaction, MDTs aim to enhance patient outcomes and elevate the collective proficiency within a health care institution, promoting knowledge dissemination and ensuring health care practitioners remain abreast of the latest clinical insights. This study’s methods comprised an extensive review of existing literature coupled with in­terviews involving lung cancer MDTs from 24 medical centers across Europe and Canada. The research focused on elucidating dynamics and variations observed among lung cancer MDTs, outlining an optimal MDT process, identifying varianc­es in the study sample, and introducing a comprehensive self-assessment tool­kit for continuous evaluation and improvement. The report discusses how these results should be used to self-optimize hospital MDTs, promote standardization, and encourage increased cross-hospital best practices sharing. With this, MDTs will be better positioned to deliver on the key goal of improved patient outcomes while promoting equality of access to health care.

Model of multidisciplinary teamwork in hip fracture care: a qualitative interview study

ObjectivesHip fractures are common injuries in older age with high mortality requiring multidisciplinary clinical care. Despite guidance, there is considerable variation in hip fracture services and patient outcomes; furthermore, little...

N21 Shared Decision Making: A Qualitative Exploration of Clinical Nurse Specialists in Gastroenterology

Abstract Background Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) participation in the Shared Decision Making (SDM) process and understanding basic concepts and principles related to the decision-making process are critical. (Storms et al. 2015). The core concept role of CNS includes a clinical focus on direct and indirect care of the patients in the specialist area, health educator and trainer, patient advocate, audit and research and consultation (NCNM, 2008). They have many opportunities to participate in the SDM process with patients arising from clinic visits, telephone helpline services and multidisciplinary team meetings. Nurses are progressively deemed influential in shared decision-making; however, studies on the SDM role of the CNS are limited; our study investigates the experiences of CNS in SDM, in the speciality of gastroenterology (GI) in both medical and surgical. Methods This study adopted a qualitative descriptive style. The survey was distributed to medical and surgical GI CNS at a tertiary referral hospital. This study aimed to look at three aspects of CNS's SDM experience: the CNS's knowledge about SDM, generating discussion and coordination, and respect for sociocultural factors. Semi-depth interviews were conducted for data collection. There were 11CNS participants from surgical and medical GI specialities, including IBD, hepatology, endoscopy, upper GI, and colorectal nursing. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and coded. Results Six themes emerged from the data collected: perceptions, attitudes, positive change, influential factors, reflection and obstacles. SDM is an unknown concept for the majority of the CNS.CNS self-identified as integral to the speciality and the patient's primary contact. Conclusion CNS has little understanding of the SDM concept. SDM is perceived as MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) making decisions without patient involvement. Formal education and increased awareness of the SDM process are essential for CNS active participation in individual patients. The procured knowledge of SDM enhances the CNS's confidence in active participation in MDT team meetings and the SDM process. It consequently improves patient experience, knowledge and participation in the SDM process.

1805 The importance of ongoing awareness and education for Lying and Standing blood pressure (LSBP) during hospital admissions

Abstract Introduction Inpatient falls remain a huge problem in hospital, causing significant injuries to patients and are an avoidable cost to the NHS. Therefore, the National Audit of Inpatient Falls (2015-2017) set out key recommendations for management of falls, including the measurement of LSBP within 3 days of hospital admission. Method Our project was conducted in a major acute teaching hospital in North West London across three geriatric wards. Our aim was to improve the measurement of LSBP and correct documentation across the wards in line with the NAIF guidelines. We excluded patients unable to mobilise to standing with support, patients too unwell or unable to follow instructions and actively dying patients. Prior to any intervention, we found that only 24% of patients had LSBP performed within three days of admission. We focused our intervention in raising education and awareness across our staff. We arranged weekly reminders during MDT meetings, created posters and organised twice monthly teaching sessions, including one to one, on how to document correctly electronically. Results After one month of intervention, 73% of patients had LSBP as part of the ward round plan and almost half of patients had it correctly recorded on our system. After 4 months, we reaudited our project and found that only 32% of patients had LSBP appropriately recorded. This significant decrease can be explained by the changeover of junior doctors and emphasises the need of a more sustainable change. Conclusion Our goal is making LSBP part of a routine preadmission checklist when appropriate. We are currently working on making changes to our electronic patient record (EPR) to facilitate documentation to members of staff. This includes a new falls assessment tool and the newly incorporation of Smartzone feature on EPR. This will allow staff to put non-critical jobs in the workflow showing a less intrusive alert until completed.

1705 Geriatrician involvement with community multi-disciplinary teams to support people living with frailty and reduce readmissions

Abstract Introduction Factors contributing to frailty result in increased hospitalisations, with 5- 10% of patients attending Accident and Emergency department living with frailty, and 30% of those patients admitted to acute medical units (Conroy, 2013). Hospital admissions result in functional decline and deconditioning (Get It Right First Time, 2021). The number of people in the UK over the age of 85 is set to double in the next 20 years and treble in the next 30 (Office of National Statistics, 2013). Their needs are best met in the community with a multi-disciplinary approach. Method Patients, residing in Benfleet and Leigh-on-sea, discharged from Geriatric wards at Southend Hospital were identified during ward MDT meetings. Inclusion criteria: • Recurrent admissions • Prolonged hospital stay • Clinical Frailty Score &amp;gt; 5 • Social support Using this criteria, 216 patients were included. 7-day readmission and 30 day readmission data was collected and compared to readmission rate prior to intervention. Intervention On discharge patients were linked with Frailty Nurses within their Primary Care Network and were reviewed within 48-72 hours of discharge. Community support was provided via MDT, with involvement from consultant geriatrician. Concerns that could result in readmission were highlighted during these meeting, with patients being seen in Day Assessment Unit for review of sub-acute frailty syndrome if appropriate. Results Following intervention of utilising community MDT there was a reduction in rate of readmission. 9 patients (4.1%) were readmitted within 7 days of discharge and 14 patients (6.4%) were readmitted within 30 days, in comparison to 7.6% and 19.3%, respectively, prior to commencement of MDT. Conclusion This concludes that utilising community MDT with review following discharge has positive impact in reducing readmission rates. Highlighting potential risks of readmissions allows the MDT to address issues within the community and use bridging services appropriately.

The Facilitators and Barriers of the Implementation of a Clinical Decision Support System for Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team Meetings-An Interview Study.

AI-driven clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) hold promise for multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs). This study aimed to uncover the hurdles and aids in implementing CDSSs during breast cancer MDTMs. Twenty-four core team members from three hospitals engaged in semi-structured interviews, revealing a collective interest in experiencing CDSS workflows in clinical practice. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed anonymously. A standardized approach, 'the framework method', was used to create an analytical framework for data analysis, which was performed by two independent researchers. Positive aspects included improved data visualization, time-saving features, automated trial matching, and enhanced documentation transparency. However, challenges emerged, primarily concerning data connectivity, guideline updates, the accuracy of AI-driven suggestions, and the risk of losing human involvement in decision making. Despite the complexities involved in CDSS development and integration, clinicians demonstrated enthusiasm to explore its potential benefits. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of this challenge, insights into the barriers and facilitators identified in this study offer a potential roadmap for smoother future implementations. Understanding these factors could pave the way for more effective utilization of CDSSs in breast cancer MDTMs, enhancing patient care through informed decision making.

Cloud platform to improve efficiency and coverage of asynchronous multidisciplinary team meetings for patients with digestive tract cancer.

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are the gold standard of cancer treatment. However, the limited participation of multiple medical experts and the low frequency of MDT meetings reduce the efficiency and coverage rate of MDTs. Herein, we retrospectively report the results of an asynchronous MDT based on a cloud platform (cMDT) to improve the efficiency and coverage rate of MDT meetings for digestive tract cancer. The participants and cMDT processes associated with digestive tract cancer were discussed using a cloud platform. Software programming and cMDT test runs were subsequently conducted to further improve the software and processing. cMDT for digestive tract cancer was officially launched in June 2019. The doctor response duration, cMDT time, MDT coverage rate, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines compliance rate for patients with stage III rectal cancer, and uniformity rate of medical experts' opinions were collected. The final cMDT software and processes used were determined. Among the 7462 digestive tract cancer patients, 3143 (control group) were diagnosed between March 2016 and February 2019, and 4319 (cMDT group) were diagnosed between June 2019 and May 2022. The average number of doctors participating in each cMDT was 3.26 ± 0.88. The average doctor response time was 27.21 ± 20.40 hours, and the average duration of cMDT was 7.68 ± 1.47 min. The coverage rates were 47.85% (1504/3143) and 79.99% (3455/4319) in the control and cMDT groups, respectively. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines compliance rates for stage III rectal cancer patients were 68.42% and 90.55% in the control and cMDT groups, respectively. The uniformity rate of medical experts' opinions was 89.75% (3101/3455), and 8.97% (310/3455) of patients needed online discussion through WeChat; only 1.28% (44/3455) of patients needed face-to-face discussion with the cMDT group members. A cMDT can increase the coverage rate of MDTs and the compliance rate with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for stage III rectal cancer. The uniformity rate of the medical experts' opinions was high in the cMDT group, and it reduced contact between medical experts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A quality improvement program for managing clozapine-induced constipation in a long-term structured residential setting for persons with serious mental illness

ObjectivesThe goal of this quality improvement project (QIP) was to increase awareness of the serious medical consequences of clozapine-associated constipation to front line nursing staff and patients with schizophrenia. MethodsThe QIP was developed iteratively by psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists and pharmacists with input from patients. The processes involved a literature review, development of educational materials for staff and patients, and the creation of a daily bowel movements log (BML). Implementation involved review of the BML at treatment team meetings, and deployment of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to resolve constipation and increase awareness and knowledge of this clinical concern. OutcomesThe initial pilot screened for symptoms of constipation in patients receiving clozapine and non-clozapine antipsychotic agents and intervening as necessary during multidisciplinary team meetings. Patients benefited from relief of constipation and improved bowel habits. Staff benefited from improved knowledge and making requisite changes in workflow and practice. Feedback allowed refinements to be made to the educational materials for patients and staff. Since full implementation, bowel habits are routinely monitored, and interventions are reviewed for effectiveness. Staff satisfaction with this QIP is reflected in answers to a structured questionnaire and in patient reports (n = 50). ConclusionsClozapine, the only approved and efficacious medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia is significantly underutilized. Medically consequential constipation can be a serious barrier to retention of patients benefiting from clozapine.Increased awareness and use of educational materials for patients and staff, routine monitoring of bowel habits combined with pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can successfully address this clinical problem.

Targeted Lung Health Check: breast related incidental findings-imaging appearances and lessons learned.

The introduction of Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHC) to screen for lung cancer has highlighted that incidental findings are common and require management strategies. This study analyses retrospectively, incidentally detected breast lesions reported as part of the TLHC referred to the Breast Cancer clinicians. All participants with incidental breast nodules referred to the Breast Cancer team in the first year of screening were reviewed. Fifty-two participants (48 female; 92.3%) were referred to the Breast Multidisciplinary Team Meeting for assessment of 43 breast nodules, 8 breast asymmetry/dense breasts, and 2 likely breast related metastatic disease. One participant declined breast team referral. For the 42 breast nodules investigated, the final diagnoses were 5 breast carcinomas, 10 normal breast tissue, and 27 benign nodules. One male patient was diagnosed with breast carcinoma. The 29 breast nodules classified as smooth and well defined were all benign. No malignancy was demonstrated in the group with asymmetric or dense breast tissue. Metastatic breast carcinoma was confirmed in two participants. Twenty-six out of thirty-seven (54%) females had prior breast screening mammograms precluding further investigation. Incidental breast nodules are common on THLC scans. Smooth, sharply defined breast nodules are likely to be benign but low-dose CT is poor at accurately assessing breast nodules. Agreed breast referral pathways prior to starting the Lung Cancer Screening programme are recommended. Access to screening mammograms can reduce referrals to the Breast clinic. Lessons learned from TLHC pilot studies can be useful to sites commencing national TLHC programme.

Natural language processing to automate a web-based model of care and modernize skin cancer multidisciplinary team meetings.

Cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are under intense pressure to reform given the rapidly rising incidence of cancer and national mandates for protocolized streaming of cases. The aim of this study was to validate a natural language processing (NLP)-based web platform to automate evidence-based MDT decisions for skin cancer with basal cell carcinoma as a use case. A novel and validated NLP information extraction model was used to extract perioperative tumour and surgical factors from histopathology reports. A web application with a bespoke application programming interface used data from this model to provide an automated clinical decision support system, mapped to national guidelines and generating a patient letter to communicate ongoing management. Performance was assessed against retrospectively derived recommendations by two independent and blinded expert clinicians. There were 893 patients (1045 lesions) used to internally validate the model. High accuracy was observed when compared against human predictions, with an overall value of 0.92. Across all classifiers the virtual skin MDT was highly specific (0.96), while sensitivity was lower (0.72). This study demonstrates the feasibility of a fully automated, virtual, web-based service model to host the skin MDT with good system performance. This platform could be used to support clinical decision-making during MDTs as 'human in the loop' approach to aid protocolized streaming. Future prospective studies are needed to validate the model in tumour types where guidelines are more complex.

Are multidisciplinary team meetings remotely efficient?

Are multidisciplinary team meetings remotely efficient?

COVID-19 Outbreak Impact on Cancer Multidisciplinary Team Meetings. A Multicenter French Experience

Multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) became a standard of care in cancer management. The COVID-19 epidemic induced unprecedented pressure on the health system. The impact of this health crisis on MDTs held within a regional French health structures was analyzed. A decrease in the total number of records discussed in hematological, digestive, thoracic, gynecological and genitourinary MDTs was observed following the 1st wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decrease was generally maintained during the 2nd and 3rd wave. MDTs activity back in order from the 4th wave. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged MDTs settings. The implementation of virtual technologies offers an opportunity to improve MDTs organization.

Does preoperative multidisciplinary team assessment of high-risk patients improve the safety and outcomes of patients undergoing surgery?

BackgroundInternational guidelines recommend preoperative multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessment for high-risk surgical patients. Preoperative MDT meetings can help to improve surgical care, but there is little evidence on whether they improve patient outcomes.MethodsThis paper aims to share our experience of MDT meetings for high-risk surgical patients to underline their added value to the current standard of care. An observational study of a retrospective cohort of preoperative high-risk MDT meetings of a tertiary referral hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. For 249 patients the outcomes preoperative data, MDT decisions, and patient outcomes were collected from electronic health records.Main resultsA total of 249 patients were discussed at high-risk MDT meetings. Most of the patients (97%) were assessed as having an American Society of Anesthesiology score ≥ 3, and 219 (88%) had a European Society of Cardiology and European Society of Anaesthesiology risk score of intermediate or high. After MDT assessment, 154 (62%) were directly approved for surgery, and 39 (16%) were considered ineligible for surgery. The remaining 56 (23%) patients underwent additional assessments before reconsideration at a high-risk MDT meeting. The main reason for patients being discussed at the high-risk MDT meeting was to assess the risk-benefit ratio of surgery. Ultimately, 184 (74%) patients underwent surgery. Of the operated patients, 122 (66%) did not have a major complication in the postoperative period, and 149 patients (81%) were alive after one year.ConclusionsThis cohort study shows the vulnerability and complexity of high-risk patients but also shows that the use of an MDT assessment contributes too improved peri- and postoperative treatment strategies in high-risk patients. Most patients underwent surgery after careful risk assessment and, if deemed necessary, preoperative and perioperative treatment optimization to reduce their risk.

Transdisciplinary Approach in Palliative Care MDT Meetings – A Way Forward

Transdisciplinary Approach in Palliative Care MDT Meetings – A Way Forward

Home-based supportive care in advanced cancer: systematic review

ObjectivesThis study systematically reviewed the literature on the effect of home-based supportive care (HbSC) programmes on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced cancer.MethodsThe research question ‘Do home-based...