The impact of contemporary multidisciplinary meetings on workload at a tertiary level hospital

Background In recent years, multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) have become the standard of patient care in oncologic and other speciality care pathways. The number, complexity, and diverse source of imaging studies presented continue to expand rapidly. True multidisciplinary input requires parallel support from other colleagues and diagnostic services. It is now recognised that this is the appropriate forum for key decision making and education in care algorithms, though service plans make little or no accommodation of their expanding role in addition to existing services. Aims We tried to objectively quantify one element of this burgeoning service. Methods Data were retrospectively gathered over a 6 month period, and a 5 week prospective study was then performed to examine the workload in further detail. Results Retrospectively, 199 meetings were held with 2253 clinical cases reviewed over 26 weeks. Prospectively, 52 meetings were held over 5 weeks for 13 clinical specialty areas. There were 1038 clinical case discussions. There were a total of 2122 documented individual imaging studies reviewed. Specialist registrar preparation time was 55 h (11 per week). Consultant preparation time was 67.75 h (13.55 per week). Delivery time was 57.25 h (11.45 per week). Conclusion The complexity and range of cases at MDMs continue to expand, serving local and national needs, though service plans do not acknowledge their role in the working day. Our study shows just one element that clearly signals a need to take account of the new methods of delivering modern healthcare.