Lessons learned and keys to success: Provider experiences during the implementation of virtual oncology tumor boards in the era of COVID-19.
J Surg Oncol
; 125(4): 570-576, 2022 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34994401
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid adaptation of multidisciplinary tumor board conferences to a virtual setting; however, there are little data describing the benefits and challenges of using such a platform.METHODS:
An anonymous quality improvement survey was sent to participants of tumor board meetings at a large academic institution. Participants answered questions pertaining to the relative strengths and weaknesses of in-person and virtual settings.RESULTS:
A total of 335 responses (23.3% response rate) were recorded, and 253 met inclusion criteria. Respondents represented 25 different tumor board meetings, with colorectal, breast, and liver (18.6%, 17.0%, and 13.0%, respectively) being the most commonly attended. Virtual tumor boards were equivalent to in-person across 9 of 10 domains queried, while a virtual format was preferred for participation in off-site tumor boards. The lack of networking opportunities was ranked by physicians to be a significant challenge of the virtual format. Consistent leadership and organization, engaged participation of all attendees, and upgrading technology infrastructure were considered critical for success of virtual meetings.CONCLUSIONS:
The implementation of virtual tumor board meetings has been associated with numerous challenges. However, improving several key aspects can improve participant satisfaction and ensure excellent patient care.Key words
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Attitude of Health Personnel
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Telemedicine
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COVID-19
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Medical Oncology
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Year:
2022
Type:
Article