Evaluating Patient Experience in a Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic: A Prospective Study

Background: Multidisciplinary clinics (MDCs) are a care model in which patients see several physicians across specialties and/or other allied health professionals in a single appointment in a shared space. This study sought to better understand patients' experiences with breast cancer (BC) MDC.Methods: A total of 429 patients diagnosed with BC and seen in a MDC between November 2020 and November 2021 were invited to participate in a patient experience survey.Results: In total, 116 patient respondents (27%) with representative demographics described their experience. Most patients report feeling somewhat prepared for the BC MDC experience (67%, median = 3.7, interquartile range [IQR] = 1.9), but with variability. The major areas of positive feedback were that the MDC was convenient (89.3%), efficient use of time (65.2%), and a good way to get questions answered (65.2%). Major criticisms included that the MDC was overwhelming (16.1%) and/or too long (4.5%). When asked to rate the top three satisfaction areas of MDCs, patients chose seeing multiple providers during a single visit (80.4%), communication about the process before and throughout the MDC (48.2%), and inclusivity of their support system (38.4%). The highest rated dissatisfiers were the volume of information presented (42.9%) and patients' emotional comfort (anxiety/stress) during MDC appointment (30.2%). Overall, 83% of patients with BC rate the MDC experience as excellent (median = 4.8, IQR = 0.9) and would be very likely to recommend BC MDC (median = 4.8, IQR = 0.9).Conclusion: Patients value seeing multiple providers simultaneously in an environment inclusive of their support systems, which is described as convenient and efficient. Improving emotional distress is a key opportunity to improve patient experience.

Automated summary

Multidisciplinary clinics (MDCs) are valued by breast cancer patients for their convenience and efficiency in providing care. Patients appreciate the opportunity to see multiple providers in one appointment and have their questions answered. However, there is variability in patients' experience, with some feeling overwhelmed or the appointment being too long. Overall, breast cancer patients rate their MDC experience highly, with satisfaction stemming from seeing multiple providers, effective communication, and involvement of their support system.