Attitudes and perceptions of radiologists towards online (virtual) oncologic multidisciplinary team meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic—a survey of the European Society of Oncologic Imaging (ESOI)

Abstract

Objectives To explore radiologists’ opinions regarding the shift from in-person oncologic multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) to online MDTMs. To assess the perceived impact of online MDTMs, and to evaluate clinical and technical aspects of online meetings. Methods An online questionnaire including 24 questions was e-mailed to all European Society of Oncologic Imaging (ESOI) members. Questions targeted the structure and efficacy of online MDTMs, including benefits and limitations. Results A total of 204 radiologists responded to the survey. Responses were evaluated using descriptive statistical analysis. The majority (157/204; 77%) reported a shift to online MDTMs at the start of the pandemic. For the most part, this transition had a positive effect on maintaining and improving attendance. The majority of participants reported that online MDTMs provide the same clinical standard as in-person meetings, and that interdisciplinary discussion and review of imaging data were not hindered. Seventy three of 204 (35.8%) participants favour reverting to in-person MDTs, once safe to do so, while 7/204 (3.4%) prefer a continuation of online MDTMs. The majority (124/204, 60.8%) prefer a combination of physical and online MDTMs. Conclusions Online MDTMs are a viable alternative to in-person meetings enabling continued timely high-quality provision of care with maintained coordination between specialties. They were accepted by the majority of surveyed radiologists who also favoured their continuation after the pandemic, preferably in combination with in-person meetings. An awareness of communication issues particular to online meetings is important. Training, improved software, and availability of support are essential to overcome technical and IT difficulties reported by participants. Key Points • Majority of surveyed radiologists reported shift from in-person to online oncologic MDT meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. • The shift to online MDTMs was feasible and generally accepted by the radiologists surveyed with the majority reporting that online MDTMs provide the same clinical standard as in-person meetings. • Most would favour the return to in-person MDTMs but would also accept the continued use of online MDTMs following the end of the current pandemic.

How well does the virtual format of oncology multidisciplinary team meetings work? An assessment of participants’ perspectives and limitations: A scoping review

“…We discovered a total of 36 papers using our search criteria. The number of studies at each stage of the screening process is shown in Fig 1 . Study designs of included studies were mostly observational cross-sectional studies (n = 15) [7,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. Other study designs were retrospective review of records with a cross-sectional survey (n = 12) [5,[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41], meeting observations with cross-sectional survey (n = 1) [42], mixedmethod design (n = 3) [43][44][45], embedded study design (n = 1) [46], randomized controlled trials (n = 2) [47,48], descriptive qualitative synthesis using free-text cross-sectional surveys (n = 1) [49], and an anthropological analysis (n = 1) [50].…”

“…Attendance. The foremost benefit of the virtual nature of VMDTMs has been the removed need to schedule rooms for the meeting, thereby facilitating convenient remote access for participants [19,43]. This benefits the meeting itself by impacting clinician attendance as, since the advent of the virtual format, participant attendance in board meetings has reportedly increased [19,43,44].…”

“…The foremost benefit of the virtual nature of VMDTMs has been the removed need to schedule rooms for the meeting, thereby facilitating convenient remote access for participants [19,43]. This benefits the meeting itself by impacting clinician attendance as, since the advent of the virtual format, participant attendance in board meetings has reportedly increased [19,43,44]. However, one study, that assessed responses from a national VMDTM, reported sub-optimal attendance in the national VMDTM owing to irregular meeting times and a lack of resources [49].…”

“…Preparing for the meeting is an important aspect of VMDTMs. One study reported that most radiologists spent 1-4 hours per week preparing for the VMDTM [19]. This aspect was deemed time-consuming in two studies [46,49], but was adequate for participants in another study [28].…”

“…Opinions regarding chairing the meeting varied. A few participants in the study by Bonanno N et al found it easier because of less people spoke simultaneously [19]. However, when compared to IMDTMs, overlap during conversations may exist, and may pose a considerable hurdle for trainees [21].…”