Decision-Making in Gynaecological Oncology Multidisciplinary Team Meetings: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study of Ovarian Cancer Cases

Introduction: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are widely used across the UK to provide expert decisions and improve cancer outcomes. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of MDT decision-making. We investigated how decisions are made regarding the management of advanced ovarian cancer in gynaecological oncology MDT meetings.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed, focussing on 41/ 223 MDT case discussions across six hospitals. The validated MDT-MODe tool was adapted to increase relevance to gynaecological oncology. Case information and contributions from seven disciplines were rated on a five-point Likert scale. Spearman's correlation investigated relationships between factors and an exploratory factor analysis examined the underlying structure of MDT discussion.

Results: Forty-one MDT decisions were made for patients with FIGO Stage III/IV ovarian cancer. MDT case discussions were structured by four factors: "Clinical Presentation," "Patient Factors," "Chair's Direction" and "Input from Other Specialties." Nurses were often quiet but facilitated discussion of patient factors. Junior doctors were not involved in MDT decision-making.

Conclusions: The decision-making process in MDT meetings is driven by four underlying factors, the most significant of which represents patient history, tumour markers, images and radiologist input. Patient factors were underrepresented, and nurses should be empowered to overcome this.