The Evolving Role of National Tumor Board – Attitudes of Professionals Towards Multidisciplinary Team Meetings

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are an essential part of cancer management. While the importance of such meetings is generally acknowledged, the recent launch of Bahrain Oncology Centre and National Tumor Board provides an opportunity to assess the attitudes of its participants to the concept and its introduction to Bahrain. Methods: This study was conducted at Bahrain Oncology Center on 96 attendees that were encouraged to complete a questionnaire that asked 14 questions including three main questions, (a) Do you think that the MDT-Tumor Board is beneficial? (b) Are you satisfied with the structure and function of the MDT? (c) What are your perceptions on how it may be improved? Quantitative data was produced by using Likert 5-points scale to measure participants' agreement or non-agreement with different statements. Results: A total of 60 forms were completed and returned. Of these, 49 (81%) of participants strongly agreed that MDT meetings were beneficial to patient management. In addition, general satisfaction levels with MDT meetings according to Likert 5-points scale calculated from 14 MDT related questions showed that 36/60 participants were very satisfied (1), 22/60 participants were moderately satisfied (2), one participant was neutral (3), while one participant was moderately unsatisfied (4). Conclusion: This study confirmed that the majority of participants viewed MDT meetings as being beneficial to patient care. However, lack of patient information was considered a barrier to overall effectiveness, and 20% of the participants suggested that specialty specific meetings could improve the overall efficiency.