Australian breast cancer specialists' involvement in multidisciplinary treatment planning meetings

Australian breast cancer specialists' involvement in multidisciplinary team (MDT) treatment planning meetings was ascertained in a cross sectional survey. The format of MDT meetings was also investigated. Medical specialists were regular attendees (> 78%) compared to allied health staff and psychologists (<= 28%). Clinicians based in a major city (AOR 1.90; 95%CI; 1.01-3.58) and who treated >= 50 new cases a year (AOR 7.34; 95%CI; 3.38-15.96) were more likely to attend. Over 69% reported that the proportion of time devoted to case discussions was >= 75%. Topics always discussed were pathology, extent of disease, surgery performed and a treatment plan (>= 83%). The majority of respondents stated that MDT meetings were effective and improved referrals. Suggested improvements included that all key personnel attend, meetings are structured and that the views of all be heard. Work is needed to ensure MDT's function and co-operate as intended in treatment planning meetings. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.