Cancer Patients' Perspectives on Multidisciplinary Team Working: An Exploratory Focus Group Study

Abstract

s the diagnosis and treatment of urologic cancer gets more complex, there is a need to ensure that patients have access to the best treatment in a consistent manner (National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2002; Taylor et al., 2010). Cancer care is increasingly being delivered by multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)

Translating Evidence into Clinical Practice - Adding to the Evidence Base: Cancer Patients? Perspectives On Multidisciplinary Team Working: An Exploratory Focus Group Study

“…However, nurses know patients better than other providers, as noted in the results of the current study (Lamb et al, 2014). This is a more specific and advanced use of the MDT or interprofessional team than may exist in other countries such as the U.S., where incidental communication, huddles, and interprofessional rounds are common among teams.…”

“…As a Level VI on the evidence table, a reader might misinterpret the importance of the current study (Lamb et al, 2014). As mentioned earlier, there is no doubt this information contributes to the evidence base regardless of type of health care system.…”

“…While generalization to other populations regarding the outcomes of the current study (Lamb et al, 2014) is not possible, there is learning from the study. Whether they are called MDTs or interprofessional teams, patients want to be involved in their care.…”

“…However, the timeliness of the topic of the current study under review (Lamb et al, 2014) on the use of MDTs is significant. They have similar connotations.…”

“…The study (Lamb et al, 2014) offers readers an opportunity to think about focus groups, sampling and sample size, data saturation, grounded theory approach, interviews, and theme development in relation to qualitative research. All are important aspects of qualitative research and of this study, and together, seek the answers that researchers are asking.…”