Background:
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings are pivotal in cancer care services. An electronic MDT workflow needed to be introduced to enhance information capture and sharing amongst care providers as part of the implementation of IOIMS (Integrated Oncology Information Management System - based on MOSAIQ) at four Queensland Health regional cancer services
Aims:
The overall objective was to migrate users from paper based records & processes to an electronic MDT workflow. The workflow includes appointments, pre MDT workup, reports, assessment and MBS code capture. The end result is a totally pre-populated MDT Treatment summary that aligns to the Qld Health standard.
Methods:
Analysis was undertaken of existing MDT workflows and associated documentation. A workflow was designed, documented and built that drew data from demographics, diagnosis fields and a custom MDT assessment. Upon completion of the appointment in IOIMS, the software generates a word document that is presented on the users’ work list for review, printing and filing in the patient record.
Results:
The MDT functionality has been used successfully since late 2015. The MDT coordinator displays IOIMS at the MDT meetings where live data entry can occur. The entirely pre-populated MDT Treatment Summary document is posted to the referring GP to ensure timely communication. Code capture of the MBS items is part of the routine workflow and can generate significant income – however alignment with the current MBS guidelines can be problematic due to duration, consent and the requirement to obtain patient signatures to claim.
Conclusions:
MDTs have been around for many years – however transitioning from a traditional clinical discussion to broader information collection and standardisation requires engagement and planning. The complete MDT workflow was created in IOIMS which benefits not only local users but also the broader community involved in the patients’ care.