Multidisciplinary team working across different tumour types: analysis of a national survey.
BACKGROUND
Using data from a national survey, this study aimed to address whether the current model for multidisciplinary team (MDT) working is appropriate for all tumour types.


METHODS
Responses to the 2009 National Cancer Action Team national survey were analysed by tumour type. Differences indicate lack of consensus between MDT members in different tumour types.


RESULTS
One thousand one hundred and forty-one respondents from breast, gynaecological, colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, urological, head and neck, haematological and lung MDTs were included. One hundred and sixteen of 136 statements demonstrated consensus between respondents in different tumour types. There were no differences regarding the infrastructure for meetings and team governance. Significant consensus was seen for team characteristics, and respondents disagreed regarding certain aspects of meeting organisations and logistics, and patient-centred decision making. Haematology MDT members were outliers in relation to the clinical decision-making process, and lung MDT members disagreed with other tumour types regarding treating patients with advanced disease.


CONCLUSIONS
This analysis reveals strong consensus between MDT members from different tumour types, while also identifying areas that require a more tailored approach, such as the clinical decision-making process, and preparation for and the organisation of MDT meetings. Policymakers should remain sensitive to the needs of health care teams working in individual tumour types.
Centre for Patient Safety and Service Quality, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London; Department of Urology, Whipps Cross University Hospital, London. Electronic address: benjamin.lamb@imperial.ac.uk.
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Lamb
Centre for Patient Safety and Service Quality, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London.
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N
Sevdalis
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kings College London, London, UK.
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Taylor
Centre for Patient Safety and Service Quality, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London.
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C
Vincent
Department of Urology, Whipps Cross University Hospital, London.
J S A
JSA
Green
D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D000078329:Workforce