Brindha Pillay

The impact of multidisciplinary team meetings on patient assessment, management and outcomes in oncology settings: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Conducting regular multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings requires significant investment of time and finances. It is thus important to assess the empirical benefits of such practice. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the literature regarding the impact of MDT meetings on patient assessment, management and outcomes in oncology settings. METHODS Relevant studies were identified by searching OVID MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases from 1995 to April 2015, using the keywords: multidisciplinary team meeting* OR multidisciplinary discussion* OR multidisciplinary conference* OR case review meeting* OR multidisciplinary care forum* OR multidisciplinary tumour board* OR case conference* OR case discussion* AND oncology OR cancer. Studies were included if they assessed measurable outcomes, and used a comparison group and/or a pre- and post-test design. RESULTS Twenty-seven articles met inclusion criteria. There was limited evidence for improved survival outcomes of patients discussed at MDT meetings. Between 4% and 45% of patients discussed at MDT meetings experienced changes in diagnostic reports following the meeting. Patients discussed at MDT meetings were more likely to receive more accurate and complete pre-operative staging, and neo-adjuvant/adjuvant treatment. Quality of studies was affected by selection bias and the use of historical cohorts impacted study quality. CONCLUSIONS MDT meetings impact upon patient assessment and management practices. However, there was little evidence indicating that MDT meetings resulted in improvements in clinical outcomes. Future research should assess the impact of MDT meetings on patient satisfaction and quality of life, as well as, rates of cross-referral between disciplines.

Evaluation of a multidisciplinary allied health prostate cancer clinic: Allied health prostate cancer clinic

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer, with increasingly longer survival, and many treatment options for advanced disease. Men with prostate cancer report a high level of unmet supportive care needs. To evaluate unmet needs of a small cohort of Australian men with advanced prostate cancer, and their partners, and to assess the impact of attendance at a multidisciplinary allied health clinic on meeting these needs. Fifty patients were referred to the clinic by their treating specialists. Prior to their clinic consultations patients and partners completed study questionnaires to determine their unmet needs, prostate cancer and treatment related quality of life, levels of anxiety and depression, exercise patterns and prostate cancer-related functional status. Questionnaires were completed again 1 month post-clinic attendance, and pre-and post-clinic scores were compared. Patients reported unmet needs in several domains including psychological and sexuality needs. These showed a small reduction when assessed post-clinic. Partners also reported needs in the psychological and emotional, and information domains. Thirty-two percent of patients reported clinical levels of distress when assessed pre-clinic attendance, reduced to 8% reporting the same level of distress 1 month post-clinic. The identified high levels of unmet needs and levels of distress of this group of patients and partners highlights the necessity for additional resources to assist these men. A multidisciplinary allied health care prostate clinic as described here may further assist in the comprehensive care of these men and their partners.

Relationships between urinary function, sexual function and masculine self-esteem in men following radical prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer

A smartphone application is a feasible way to deliver information and resources to carers while they are looking after someone receiving cancer treatment. A smartphone application is an appropriate resource for carers regardless of their age or gender.A Cognitive Behavioural Conceptualization of Psychological Distress in Parents of Children Previously Treated for Cancer5 Risk for psychological distress among cancer patients with a familial history of Indian Residential School attendance: Results from the 2008‐10 First Nations Regional Health Survey Mrs. Maike van Niekerk* | Dr. Amy Bombay Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Dalhousie University, Halifax,

Can sexual outcomes be enhanced after cancer using online technology

Purpose of reviewThe impact that cancer and its treatments can have on sexual functioning, sexual desire, and sexual arousal can be profound and many patients report significant unmet needs in relation to managing sexual difficulties. We reviewed the literature to understand the application of Internet-based technology in the delivery of psychosexual interventions, information provision, and support. Recent findingsTen studies were identified that utilized Internet-based technology to deliver information, support, or psychosexual interventions designed to improve sexual outcomes, sexual distress, and quality of life of cancer survivors. The intensity of intervention, approach, and complexity differed substantially across platforms. SummaryThe review identified a range of intervention types designed to enhance sexual outcomes following the challenges that many individuals face after cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is evident that the use of online technology in improving sexual outcomes in cancer care is still in its infancy; however, there is emerging evidence to support the delivery of psychosexual care using the online environment. Further research, using larger, more well controlled methodologies, is required to confirm that sexual outcomes can be improved through the use of online interventions.