Task Requirements, Workflow Processes and Technological Constraints in Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumour Board...

Multidisciplinary tumour boards are an essential step of high-quality, team-based decision-making in cancer care. The digitalization of distributed tumour boards enables collaboration across institutions but introduces challenges due to limited visualization and interaction. This study investigates key tasks and requirements for videoconference multidisciplinary tumour boards, examines how current technologies affect workflow and teamwork and explores requirements for future extended reality supported tumour boards.

A cognitive task analysis was conducted, involving standardized tumour board observations and semi-structured clinician interviews. Key aspects such as tasks, requirements, workflow interruptions, teamwork and usability were assessed. Observational and interview data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative content analysis.

We observed 5 videoconference multidisciplinary tumour boards, including 146 patient cases, and interviewed 7 clinicians. We identified key steps and workflows, found frequent disruptions due to connectivity, imaging and audio issues, causing delays and hindering collaboration. Clinicians' interviews highlighted future requirements for augmented reality-facilitated tumour boards.

This study addresses the research gap on how tumour board technologies affect clinical workflow and teamwork. Our empirical findings corroborate that current communication tools have distinct limitations in supporting effective workflows and teamwork and highlights opportunities for future extended reality supported tumour boards.