Multidisciplinary care is an integrated team approach to patient management in which relevant medical, nursing and allied health care professionals consider all treatment options and collaboratively develop a treatment plan for each patient.
Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) have been well established in the Sydney West Cancer Network for several years. At present there are over 20 MDTs and this number is expected to increase. With this forthcoming growth of multidisciplinary service, it was deemed a prime opportunity to ascertain the quality assurance of current MDTs and look towards further development into more than a clinical meeting rather an Accredited Tumour Program.

Assessment of performance status of MDTs to streamline functionality, adherence to mandatory performance indicators and contribution to best-evidence-based protocols.  Implementation of quality improvement strategies such as possible restructure of the support model; providing user-friendly platforms for the purpose of entering live data during MDT meetings, and initiating local research development. These changes will foster the concept of initiating change management to develop and implement an accredited tumour program with a keen focus on patient pathways from entry of service to exit/survivorship and translational research.

Baseline data was collected from a sample size of 12 MDTs. Data was analysed using the Likert scale methodology measuring compliance against 46 indicators. Results were process mapped to identify gaps, non-compliance and to develop interventions for improvement in service deliverables whilst initiating translational research and fostering local research initiatives.

Preliminary data shows the majority of teams are compliant with all indicators; higher rating was given to inclusion of non-core membership,weekly meetings and utilisation of best-evidence-based protocols. Gap analysis of criteria for performance status has identified high and low functioning MDTs as well as gaps in service provision.

Initial interventions have been implemented with success and sub-projects have been instigated to further develop significant interventions and future planning for an Accredited Tumour Program. Several components of MDTs may need to be re-modelled such as care coordination and administrative support.