Multidisciplinary cancer conferences (MCCs) provide an opportunity for health professionals to discuss diagnosis and treatment options with the goal of providing optimal patient management. No prior studies have explored the experiences of adopting and implementing MCCs in Canada.
Methods: Using a grounded theory approach, interviews, participant-observation, and document analysis were triangulated to explore the experiences of implementing MCCs at four hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify themes and assimilate them into a theoretical understanding of policy, administrative/organizational, and participant contributions to implementing MCCs.
Results: Thirty-seven MCCs, in three hospitals, were observed, and 48 interviews were conducted. The core conceptual category was a perceived value for time balance, which was influenced by policy and administrative factors, and themes related to MCC structure and participant interaction.
Conclusions: MCC implementation in Ontario is inconsistent. Future efforts should concentrate on a systematic implementation plan involving clinicians and administrators.MAS
