Aim
To implement a translational supportive care multidisciplinary meeting model to improve interdisciplinary communication and care coordination of Latrobe Regional Hospital Chemotherapy (LRH CDU) patients.
Background
Cancer patients may require a high degree of care coordination and support. Not only are they complex and diverse but may also require multiple modalities of treatment and have a number of specialities involved in their care.
Method
In 2012 a supportive care multidisciplinary meeting was established within the LRH CDU, supported by a GRICS funded Project Officer. Interdisciplinary clinicians were invited to participate and a process for identifying and presenting patients as well as recording recommendations formulated.
New patients, identified at chemotherapy education sessions, are presented. Additional patients, identified by participants, can also be included. Patient discussion focuses on the completed;
• NCCN Distress Management Tool
• Risk Factors for Psychological Distress (NBOCC)
• Kessler Psychological Distress Scale
• Current patient history.
Meetings occur weekly and an individualised supportive care recommendation plan, recording meeting outcomes, completed and filed in the patient’s history.
A seven week pilot was undertaken and data collected to provide both quantitative and qualitative information. A more exhaustive audit examining referrals patterns is underway.
Results
• Nine disciplines involved
• 72 patients discussed/ ~10 patients per meeting
• 91.7% of participants believed their contribution was valued
• 53% additional referrals generated
• Overwhelmingly participants rated some or significant improvement in communication with other health professionals both within the meeting and outside.
Surveying participants regarding the perceived patient benefits of the meetings indicated;
• 100% - improved care coordination
• 81.8% - a reduced likelihood of missing referrals
• 72.7% - improved efficiency of the referral process
• 63.6% - improved appropriateness of referrals
Conclusion
The supportive care multidisciplinary meeting provides robust, targeted discussion of patient needs and an individualised person centred supportive care recommendation plan is developed and implemented to provide support and improve care coordination.