From “Cure” to “Care”: The Role of the MultiDisciplinary Team on Colorectal Cancer Patients’ Satisfaction and Oncological Outcomes

Abstract

Background: MultiDisciplinary Team (MDT) are held to undertake decisions regarding the whole aspect of oncological diseases. Over the years, they acquired a collaborative approach where clinical decisions are shared by all members. Different guidelines recommend the implementation of MDT, in order to improve the outcomes of these patients. Our aim is to evaluate how the implementation of MDT affects the patients' satisfaction and adherence to treatment. Methods: A survey was submitted to every patient affected by colorectal cancer treated by the MDT of Sant'Andrea Hospital (Rome, IT). The investigation period was January 2017-March 2020. Data from patients inside the MDT were compared with patients outside the MDT to evaluate a reduction in waiting times. Results: A total of 591 patients were collected. A total of 355 patients with colorectal neoplasia were included in our analysis. Cumulative overall survival was 79%. The average waiting time for computed tomography or colonoscopy was 14.9 days for patients in the MDT versus 24.5. A total of 201 patients were eligible for our satisfaction survey. An 89.5% of patients felt followed in their treatment. A 93.5% of patients expressed a high grade of satisfaction for the MDT design. Conclusion: Our study confirms the importance of a well-structured MDT. Dedicated slots shorten the waiting time, leading to better satisfaction and faster diagnosis. Patients' satisfaction should be considered as an index of good practice when it comes to oncological patients' treatment.

Current landscape of preoperative neoadjuvant therapies for initial resectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis

“…Ideally, the MDT should encompass experts in colorectal surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, hepatic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, interventional radiology, radiology, ultrasound imaging, pathology, and other pertinent specialties. This collaborative and comprehensive team ensures a holistic evaluation of each patient, allowing for a well-rounded and specialized treatment plan that considers the intricacies of CRLM from various medical perspectives[ 38 ].…”

Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography could reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Despite better knowledge about the risk factors of AL identified over the years [7, 8] and advances in surgical techniques and in perioperative management [9], AL after rectal cancer surgery remains a significant problem. It has been demonstrated that AL will result in a longer hospital stay, increased hospitalization costs, delay to postoperative chemotherapy, a poorer functional result [10], an increased local recurrence rate and shortened overall survival [11–16].…”

Shared-Decision-Making Experiences in Breast Cancer Care with and without Patient Participation in Multidisciplinary Tumor Conferences: A Mixed-Methods-Study

“… 26–28 As shown by international research, consideration of patient preferences in MTCs can lead to better patient outcomes and better adherence to MTC recommendations. 20–22 …”

“…14,15 Although important research on the degrees of multidisciplinarity in MTCs is still ongoing, 15,16 MTCs are related to increased diagnostic and treatment options and therefore have been implemented in oncology in many countries worldwide. 14,[17][18][19][20][21][22] On the basis of the outlined developments of SDM and multidisciplinary health care, some authors have investigated the extent of patient-centeredness of MTCs. [23][24][25] In this context, studies demonstrated that the consideration of patient preferences differed between MTCs and that the discussion often strongly focusses on biomedical information.…”

“…[26][27][28] As shown by international research, consideration of patient preferences in MTCs can lead to better patient outcomes and better adherence to MTC recommendations. [20][21][22] To involve patients with cancer and their preferences in treatment planning, patient participation in MTCs has been discussed internationally. 7,[29][30][31][32] Some German breast and gynecologic cancer centers invite patients to participate in the discussion of their own case in the MTC.…”