LB25
The functions of multidisciplinary team meetings for cancer: nationwide qualitative study of head and neck cancer meetings in the UK
Arvind Arya1, Catherine Perry2, Martin Birchall3
1Mersey Deanery, Liverpool, UK; 2University of Chester, UK; 3University College London, UK
Background
Multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) have been shown to be beneficial in the
management of patients with cancer. Government recommendations in 2002
suggested that more meetings were needed to optimise cancer care in the UK. No formal studies have been performed to explore the true function and meaning of
the MDTMs to the professionals who regularly attend them.
Aim
This study was aimed at exploring the working of such MDTMs through a
series of interviews with healthcare professionals who regularly attended
them. Five large tertiary referral centres for head and neck cancer was
the setting of the study. A total of 43 interviews were undertaken.
Results
Themes emerged from the data suggesting that there were benefits and
problems with the MDTM. There were benefits to team working, communication,
information gathering, patient care, planning and decision reassurance.
The problems identified included time constraints, excessive radiological
workload, cost implications and lack of decision making. There was little
contribution by certain allied heath professionals (AHPs) who found the
atmosphere generated by medical staff combative. There was little time
available to discuss non-medical issues. Some Consultants questioned the
ability of the MDTM to come up with suitable treatment plans for patients, and
preferred to make decisions in the clinic with the patient present.
Conclusion
Decisions on patient management do not necessarily take place at MDTMs.
They provide reassurance for clinicians and ensure quality control.
Non-contribution from AHPs needs to be addressed.
