Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/11434/696
Title: The impact of multidisciplinary team meetings on patient assessment, management and outcomes in oncology settings: a systematic review of the literature.
Epworth Authors: Pillay, Brindha
Wootten, Addie
Crowe, Helen
Corcoran, Niall
Bowden, Patrick
Crowe, Jane
Costello, Anthony
Other Authors: Tran, Ben
Keywords: Epworth Prostate Centre, Victoria, Australia
Radiation Oncology
Neoplasms
Cancer
Multidisciplinary Team Meeting
Patient Assessment
Patient Management
Patient Outcomes
Chemotherapy
Neoadjuvant Therapy
Neoplasm Staging
Neoplasms
Patient Care Planning
Preoperative Care
Radiotherapy
Survival Analysis
MDT
Oncology Setting
Issue Date: Jan-2016
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Citation: Cancer Treat Rev. 2016 Jan;42:56-72
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Conducting regular multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings requires significant investment of time and finances. It is thus important to assess the empirical benefits of such practice. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the literature regarding the impact of MDT meetings on patient assessment, management and outcomes in oncology settings. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified by searching OVID MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases from 1995 to April 2015, using the keywords: multidisciplinary team meeting* OR multidisciplinary discussion* OR multidisciplinary conference* OR case review meeting* OR multidisciplinary care forum* OR multidisciplinary tumour board* OR case conference* OR case discussion* AND oncology OR cancer. Studies were included if they assessed measurable outcomes, and used a comparison group and/or a pre- and post-test design. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles met inclusion criteria. There was limited evidence for improved survival outcomes of patients discussed at MDT meetings. Between 4% and 45% of patients discussed at MDT meetings experienced changes in diagnostic reports following the meeting. Patients discussed at MDT meetings were more likely to receive more accurate and complete pre-operative staging, and neo-adjuvant/adjuvant treatment. Quality of studies was affected by selection bias and the use of historical cohorts impacted study quality. CONCLUSIONS: MDT meetings impact upon patient assessment and management practices. However, there was little evidence indicating that MDT meetings resulted in improvements in clinical outcomes. Future research should assess the impact of MDT meetings on patient satisfaction and quality of life, as well as, rates of cross-referral between disciplines.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11434/696
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2015.11.007
PubMed URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26643552
ISSN: 0305-7372
Journal Title: Cancer Treatment Reviews
Type: Journal Article
Affiliated Organisations: Department of Urology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
Type of Clinical Study or Trial: Systematic Reviews
Appears in Collections:Cancer Services
Health Administration
Radiation Oncology

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