Threats for sustainability of multidisciplinary working: Attitudes and perceptions of cancer care providers

To develop methods for cancer teams to work effectively, it is first necessary to understand how multidisciplinary teams work together as part of an organization. Implementation and adoption of new clinical practices such as team working is a challenging task. It is known that implementation of multidisciplinary working depends on a complex, multilevel interaction of team, and organizational factors. However, little is known about the threats to the sustainability of functioning multidisciplinary teams.

A questionnaire was mailed to 125 multidisciplinary team meetings (MTMs) attendees. Five focus groups were gathered in order to discuss threats and strengths of cancer team-working. Discussions at the meetings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for emergent themes using standard qualitative research methodology.

About 31 physicians and MTMs attendees participated in the focus groups. They perceive that meetings are very useful for making a good decision over patients. Lack of dedicated time and lack of support by the institution were the most recurrent themes which could be considered as threats for sustainability of cancer conferences. Leadership and decision-making process should be refined.

Physicians see enormous value in MTMs but the lack of support from the organization could compromise the future effective working. This research highlights the need to explore local strengths and threats for sustainability of periodic cancer team working.