Development and evaluation of a data-driven virtual interdisciplinary workshop to facilitate communication and teamwork in ambulatory medical oncology settings.

Authors

null

Amanda Constance Blok

VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI

Amanda Constance Blok, Deena Kelly Costa, Nathan Wright, Milisa Manojlovich, Christopher Ryan Friese

Organizations

VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Research Funding

U.S. National Institutes of Health
U.S. National Institutes of Health

Background: While adverse events and toxicities related to cancer drug therapy in the ambulatory oncology setting are common and often rooted in communication challenges, few studies have examined the problems of communication or tested tools to improve communication in this unique, high-risk setting. Our objective was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual interdisciplinary communication Workshop designed to strengthen communication across ambulatory oncology teams members. Methods: Surveys of patients and clinicians in one ambulatory oncology clinic were analyzed and informed the communication intervention: an interdisciplinary virtual Workshop. Workshop evaluation included an implementation survey measure and a structured debrief with Workshop attendees. Workshop content was tailored to address key findings from the patient and clinician survey data, including addressing quality, safety, teamwork, communication, and conflict issues. Results: 87 patients and 56 clinicians participated in pre-workshop surveys that revealed patient satisfaction with timely care and information, yet a range of rating communication experiences with the clinical team. Clinicians perceived a high amount of organizational safety, yet rated discussion of alternatives to normal work processes low. Survey results guided reflection and discussion within the Workshop. Six clinicians participated in the interactive Workshop. Feasibility and acceptability of the virtual Workshop were supported by summative data, along participant suggestions for improvement for the Workshop and a desire for long-term partnership in quality improvement. Conclusions: The patient and clinician surveys coupled with an interactive virtual Workshop were feasible and acceptable in an ambulatory oncology setting. The Workshop identified opportunities for individual- and system-level improvements in interdisciplinary clinical team communication. This promising strategy—incorporating clinic-specific data and communication techniques in a virtual interdisciplinary communication Workshop—requires replication in larger, more diverse practice samples.

Disclaimer

This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org

Abstract Details

Meeting

2023 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Poster Session B

Track

Health Care Access, Equity, and Disparities,Technology and Innovation in Quality of Care,Palliative and Supportive Care

Sub Track

Tools for Care Coordination

Citation

JCO Oncol Pract 19, 2023 (suppl 11; abstr 551)

DOI

10.1200/OP.2023.19.11_suppl.551

Abstract #

551

Poster Bd #

L26

Abstract Disclosures