Using an Adapted Tumor Board Evaluation Tool for Quality Assessment of a Thoracic Multidisciplinary Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Clinical Conference Evaluation

Background:

• Multidisciplinary cancer conferences (MCCs) are vital for managing complex cancer cases.
• Evaluating the performance of MCCs is essential for optimizing patient care.
• Thoracic MCCs (T-MCCs) require specific assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the applicability of an existing validated tool for evaluating thoracic MCCs (T-MCCs).
• To pilot a performance assessment tool in the context of T-MCCs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the MCC Performance Assessment Tool and self-assessment surveys over 5 weeks.
• Collected data on case presentation, discussion duration, decision-making contribution, and consensus.
• Rated quality of information and contribution on a 1-5 scale, analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

• Observed 44 cases; mean presentation/discussion time was 6 minutes 22 seconds.
• Case history, radiology, pathology, and discussion rationale rated above average (>3).
• Inclusion of comorbidities and patient views rated below average; surgical oncologists had higher contribution.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated the applicability of a validated tool for assessing T-MCC quality at an academic cancer center.
• The tool effectively identified areas within the T-MCC process requiring enhancement.