Colorectal MDTs: the team's perspective

Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are an integral part of the National Cancer Plan. However, there is surprisingly little empirical research on how these are perceived by colorectal surgeons (CRSs) and colorectal clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). The purpose of this study therefore was to obtain the views of a national cohort of CRSs and CNSs regarding various important aspects of MDT functioning and role of CNS in current setting.

Two hundred and fifty-three CRSs and 177 CNSs, identified from the Association of Coloproctologists of Great Britain and Ireland, responded to an ad hoc postal questionnaire.

96.5% of respondents considered that MDTs improved the overall quality of care of colorectal cancer patients, and 78.6% thought MDTs were good for their morale. Eighty per cent considered that they improved training. Seventy-three per cent of surgeons and nurses thought that MDTs were cost effective, and 89% did not consider them to be a passing fad. However, more than half (50.4%) of the CRSs and 35.2% of the CNSs stated that their job plan did not contain adequate time to attend MDT meetings. Compared with CRSs, CNSs were significantly more likely to have positive views regarding the MDT (P < 0.005).

CNSs and CRSs consider that colorectal MDTs have very beneficial effects on patient care, training and morale. However, many surgeons and nurse specialists consider that attendance at MDTs is not taken into account adequately in terms of their job plans, and this issue needs to be addressed.