Transition to a virtual cancer multidisciplinary team meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experience from a regional Irish Cancer Centre
Annals of Oncology
; 32:S1152, 2021.
Article
in English
| EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1432907
ABSTRACT
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how healthcare services are provided. In order to comply with public health recommendations, the multidisciplinary team (MDT) network of the South East Cancer Centre at University Hospital Waterford made a transition to a virtual meeting format. The centre coordinates a network of eight individual cancer MDTs with three satellite hospitals. Following adaptation to virtual format, remote participants now join by videoconference, telephone call, or by phone application.Methods:
A 30-part questionnaire was developed in electronic format and distributed to consultants who comprise the senior membership of the cancer MDTs. The objectives were to investigate experience of the virtual meetings post-implementation, and assess preference regarding the future of the meetings.Results:
Among 36 respondents, surgeons accounted for 38.9%, medical oncologists (22.2%), pathologists (13.9%), radiologists (11.1%), haematologists (5.6%) and radiation oncology, palliative care and physicians for 2.8% each. The most common means of joining the meeting included videoconference (61.1%), physical attendance at MDT room (19.4%), telephone (11.4%) and by phone application (8.3%). 67% experienced difficulties using the technology including issues connecting (67%) and screen-sharing (50%). 78% reported that the virtual format did not affect their attendance at MDT, with 11% reporting increased attendance. 56% thought the case discussion at the virtual MDT was not as in-depth as the conventional MDTs, but a majority (81%) believe that decisions made are not impacted by the virtual format. 71% believe it has negatively impacted on education. Most respondents (40%) preferred the traditional face-to-face format, with 37% preferring a combination of virtual and face-to-face. The majority of consultants determine that virtual MDTs should continue past social distancing guidelines.Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that virtual MDT meetings can be implemented into routine MDT practice. Although challenges are encountered, transition to a virtual format enables continuation of MDT meetings in uncertain times and may become a lasting legacy of COVID-19. Legal entity responsible for the study C.M. Goggin.Funding:
Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
EMBASE
Language:
English
Journal:
Annals of Oncology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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