A tool to improve the performance of multidisciplinary teams in cancer care

Abstract

IntroductionWhile multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are well established in many healthcare institutions, both how they function and their role in decision-making vary widely. This study adopted an innovative methodology to assess multidisciplinary team performance and engage teams in performance improvement strategies.MethodsThe study comprised a survey to evaluate MDT members’ perceptions of their team’s performance before the implementation of the programme and annually thereafter, and a maturity matrix designed as a self-assessment tool. Each MDT used the matrix to collectively assess its performance and identify areas for improvement.ResultsIn the first cycle, 180 member surveys from 19 MDTs were completed. This provided insights into team members’ perceptions of performance. 12 of these teams continued with the study and all 12 completed the matrix. Most teams rated themselves at level one or two (low) on a scale of five for most items.ConclusionsThe MDT survey and maturity matrix have the potential to be useful for cancer care teams to identify their strengths and weaknesses and monitor performance over time and also for management to review its performance against standard criteria and to identify priority areas for improvement and further support.

Factors influencing the quality and functioning of oncological multidisciplinary team meetings: results of a systematic review

“…Most of these tools only score items that have been reported to be essential for a well-functioning MDTM [ 5 , 6 ]. In seven of the nine tools predefined items were scored by an observer [ 40 , 41 , 46 , 49 , 52 , 76 , 84 ], while two tools are a self-assessment measure [ 29 , 85 ]. The categories scored are most commonly the more practical items such as attendance, availability of all patient data, and organisation and administration of the MDTM.…”

<p>Patient Participation in Multidisciplinary Tumor Conferences from the Providers’ Perspective: Is It Feasible in Routine Cancer Care?</p>

“…54,55 For future research, this should firstly mean that patient outcomes have to be analyzed as they are an important part of general MTC outcome quality. 49,50,[56][57][58][59] Some patient outcomes will be analyzed in the quantitative part of the PINTU study. Secondly, this underlines the need for a patient-centered approach in oncological healthcare taking into account patients' preferences regardless of whether patients participate in MTC or not.…”

Clinical impact of data feedback at lung cancer multidisciplinary team meetings: A mixed methods study

“…There were some variations in technology, such as off‐site nuclear medicine (linked by teleconference) for site B. Two MDTs were more than 10 years established (one more than 20 years), and the other less than 5 years with potential differences in MDT “maturity” (eg, differences in routine data collection and internal audit practices) . A number of unanswered questions remain about MDT data feedback and its clinical impact.…”