Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare
How Multidisciplinary are Case Discussions in Tumor Conferences of Breast and Gynecological Cancer Patients in German Cancer Centers?
By Rother J, Schellenberger B, Ernstmann N and 6 others.
Abstract
Objective
Multidisciplinary tumor conferences (MTC) are mandatory for certified cancer centers in Germany and usually take place on a weekly basis. During MTC case discussions, diagnoses and guideline-based recommendations are discussed and agreed. However, initial studies indicate that case discussions are not always multidisciplinary. In particular, psycho-oncologists and nurses are rarely present or rarely participate in case discussions. The aim of this study is to analyze for the first time in Germany how multidisciplinary the discussions of breast and gynecological cancer patients at MTC really are.
Methods
Data for the study INCASE ("How multidisciplinary are case discussions of breast and gynecological cancer patients", 2024-2025) was taken from structured observations, audio recordings, transcripts, patient surveys (N=345), case discussions (N=235) collected within the PINTU study between 2018 and 2020 in 6 cancer centers in North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. All case discussions were analyzed descriptively in terms of multidisciplinary attendance, verbal contribution, and involvement in discussing the treatment recommendation. Group differences were examined across pre- and postoperative cases, UICC stage, and patient participation.