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.

Keywords:

• cancer
• multidisciplinary team meeting
• patient assessment
• patient management
• patient outcomes

Ethics Approval

The study is conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and “good clinical practice” guidelines. Informed consent has been obtained from the patients. Ethical approval has been completed by the ethics committee at Sant’Andrea Hospital.

Consent to Participate

Informed consent was acquired after a complete explanation of the study and its purposes. If the participants denied their consent, they were automatically halted from continuing the survey. The participants can withdraw their consent at any time.

Consent for Publication

Informed consent included consent for publication.

Acknowledgment

Sant’Andrea GLAM collaborative group: Genoveffa Balducci, Tommaso Bocchetti, Mario Ferri, Francesco D’Angelo, Giuseppe Nigri, Marcello Gasparrini, Giorgio Castagnola, Niccolò Petrucciani, Paolo Aurello, Giulia Arrivi, Michela Roberto, Francesca Matilde Schipilliti, Federica Mazzuca, Paolo Marchetti, Bruno Annibale, Maria Rinzivillo, Francesco Panzuto, Mattia Falchetto Osti, Elsa Iannicelli, Francesca Di Gregorio, Michela Polici, Elisa Rosati, Andrea Laghi, Michele Rossi, Daniela Prosperi, Paola Mazzarelli, Federico Mainardi, Emanuela Pilozzi, Cristiana Giacani.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors disclose no conflict of interest. No funding has been received for the preparation of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

There is no funding to report.