Multidisciplinary cancer conferences: exploring obstacles and facilitators to their implementation

Multidisciplinary cancer conferences (MCCs) provide an opportunity for health professionals to discuss diagnosis and treatment options to optimize patient management. The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators in implementing MCCs in Canada. This exploratory study used qualitative interviews and observation to explore the experiences of implementing MCCs in four hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using standard qualitative research methodology guided by grounded theory principles. Thirty-seven MCCs for gastrointestinal cancer were observed across three hospital sites, and 48 interviews were conducted among a range of clinical specialists and administrators. The dominant theme suggested that MCCs can most effectively be implemented if administrators and health professionals see value in MCCs, despite the time and effort required. A number of factors (eg, provincial policy, hospital administrative and clinician support, and an efficient MCC process) influenced whether MCCs were valued. Variation exists in the enthusiasm of health professionals and the administrative capacity of institutions regarding routine implementation of MCCs. A systematic implementation plan for MCCs is needed involving both cancer care providers and administrators.