Background
Nationally, cancer multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) face increasing pressure from rising patient volumes and constrained resources. This clinician-led project was informed by statewide bench-marking against the Victorian Cancer Multidisciplinary Team Meeting Framework and consultation with clinicians and health services. It aligns with the Victorian Cancer Plan, Australian Cancer Plan and Optimal Care Pathways.
Aim
To strengthen the quality, governance and sustainability of cancer MDMs across Victoria by supporting health services to improve efficiency, monitoring and decision-making.
Methods
Led by clinicians the project consisted of diagnostic, solution development and implementation phases. 203 MDMs were mapped across Victoria, including tumour-specific, multi-tumour and population-specific services. Colorectal, lung, haematology and multi-tumour MDMs were selected to capture metropolitan and regional perspectives and areas of strategic importance. Focused assessments with MDM staff explored current practices, enablers and barriers, with particular attention to governance, efficiency and quality monitoring. Findings were supported by a review of literature and strategic documents from Australia and comparable health systems.
Results
Seventy-five health professionals representing 15 health services and 27 MDMs across metropolitan and regional Victoria participated in the focused assessments. MDM participating staff contributed insights into effective MDM delivery. While regional and metropolitan services perceived their challenges as distinct, many common themes emerged. Twelve solutions were identified that can be adapted and scaled across different service settings to improve MDM performance and sustainability.
Outcomes
Two solutions have been completed: a redeveloped MDM Framework aligned with clinician needs and contemporary practices an accompanying MDM quality dataset establishing minimum standards for monitoring, governance and bench-marking across services. These foundational resources informed the development of the remaining solutions. Continued clinician engagement remains a key enabler of sustainable outcomes. Work is progressing on additional solutions, accessible through a dedicated online MDM hub, to further improve MDM quality, efficiency and capacity amid increasing clinical demand.