Technology Enhanced Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences in Gynecologic Oncology: Impact on Quality and Education.

Abstract

Multidisciplinary cancer conferences (MCCs) improve patient outcomes. Our goals were to investigate the impact of a technology platform, navify® Clinical Hub for Tumor Boards (nCH) on the quality and educational value of gynecologic oncology MCCs. We conducted a prospective, mixed methods study of the gynecologic oncology MCC at a comprehensive cancer center from 2020 to 2023. Using a validated observational tool, we assessed the quality of case presentation and discussion (as measured by a mean composite score) before and after the introduction of nCH. We also evaluated compliance of care plans with national guidelines, changes in care plans, and concordance of treatment received with MCC recommendations. Surveys and interviews were used to evaluate the educational value of the MCCs. Analyses were conducted using SAS v9.4 (Cary, NC) and Dedoose v9.0.17, (Los Angeles, CA). Pre- and post-nCH cohorts consisted of 49 and 60 patients, respectively. When comparing both cohorts, there was a difference in the mean composite score (50.57 vs 54.11; p = 0.016). Care plans were changed by the MCC in approximately 12% of cases, and MCC recommendations were 93-96% concordant with treatment received, but no statistically significant differences were observed. Additionally, MCC recommendations were 100% compliant with guidelines. Interviews of MCC participants revealed that the post-nCH presentation was more concise and structured. Despite limited use of some nCH features, GYN fellows reported a high educational value of the MCC. nCH improved the quality of the gynecologic oncology MCC and the educational experience of trainees.