Evaluation of changes to work patterns in multidisciplinary cancer team meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic: A national mixed-method survey study

BackgroundIt is not well understood the overall changes that multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) have had to make in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nor the impact that such changes, in addition to the other challenges faced by MDTs, have had on decision-making, communication, or participation in the context of MDT meetings specifically. MethodsThis was a mixed method, prospective cross-sectional survey study taking place in the United Kingdom between September 2020 and August 2021. ResultsThe participants were 423 MDT members. Qualitative findings revealed hybrid working and possibility of virtual attendance as the change introduced because of COVID-19 that MDTs would like to maintain. However, IT-related issues, slower meetings, longer lists and delays were identified as common with improving of the IT infrastructure necessary going forward. In contrast, virtual meetings and increased attendance/availability of clinicians were highlighted as the positive outcomes resulting from the change. Quantitative findings showed significant improvement from before COVID-19 for MDT meeting organisation and logistics (M = 45, SD = 20) compared to the access (M = 50, SD = 12, t(390) = 5.028, p = 0.001), case discussions (M = 50, SD = 14, t(373) = -5.104, p = 0.001), and patient representation (M = 50, SD = 12, t(382) = -4.537, p = 0.001) at MDT meetings. DiscussionOur study explored the perception of change since COVID-19 among cancer MDTs using mixed methods. While hybrid working was preferred, challenges exist. Significant improvements in the meeting organisation and logistics were reported. Although we found no significant perceived worsening across the four domains investigated, there was an indication in this direction for the case discussions warranting further 'live' assessments of MDT meetings.

Automated summary

This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and the challenges faced by MDTs in decision-making, communication, and participation in MDT meetings. The findings showed that hybrid working and virtual attendance were introduced due to COVID-19 and MDTs would like to maintain these changes. However, issues related to IT, slower meetings, longer lists, and delays were identified, highlighting the need for improvement in IT infrastructure. On the positive side, virtual meetings and increased attendance/availability of clinicians were noted as outcomes of the changes. The study also found significant improvement in meeting organization and logistics, but some indication of worsening in case discussions.