Results of a survey study on health professionals’ perceptions of tumor boards in Brazil

Abstract

Background: Tumor boards (TB) are synonymous with quality of care but have been occasionally misunderstood and underutilized. This survey aimed to evaluate health professionals' perceptions of TBs in Brazil. Materials & methods: The survey was sent electronically. Results: Of 206 respondents, 67.8% attended TBs at least once and 82.4% dedicated at least 1 h weekly to them; 64.2% preferred a more “educational” model over case discussions only; 63.1% had institutional leadership capable of promoting multidisciplinarity; 21.1% and 32.7% of the physicians and nonphysicians, respectively, felt intimidated to express their opinions; 91.6% believed that TBs improve cancer outcomes. Postpandemic, 52.7% preferred a hybrid (virtual/face-to-face) model. Conclusion: This study provides a glimpse of the reality of TBs in Brazil, with potential implications for clinical practice.