Simulation as an effective means of preparing trainees for active participation in MDT meetings

Ewan Christopher Mackay; Kishen Rajan Patel; Colette Davidson; Jessica Little; Karen Tipples; Adam Januszewski; William Ricketts

doi:10.1016/j.fhj.2024.100017

Simulation as an effective means of preparing trainees for active participation in MDT meetings

Future Healthc J. 2024 Feb 28;11(1):100017. doi: 10.1016/j.fhj.2024.100017. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Ewan Christopher Mackay^{1

2}, Kishen Rajan Patel^{2

3}, Colette Davidson², Jessica Little², Karen Tipples², Adam Januszewski², William Ricketts²

Affiliations

¹ King's College Hospital NHS Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
² Barts Health NHS Trust, London, London, UK.
³ University College London, London, UK.

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings are an important component of consultant workload, however previous literature has suggested trainees are not satisfied with their current curriculum in preparing for MDT working.

Methods: This educational pilot assessed whether multi-speciality simulated scenarios with pre-defined learning objectives, could prepare specialist registrars for interacting within an MDT. Participants completed pre- and post-questionnaires assessing a number of areas including: current experience of training, confidence presenting patients and whether the course would alter future practice.

Results: Trainee confidence increased significantly from a mean of 5 to 7 (mean to nearest whole number, p < 0.01). Trainees rated the session highly for utility and altering their future practice (mean scores of 9 for both respectively, out of 10).

Conclusion: Simulation has shown success in other multidisciplinary teaching, however to our knowledge there are no cancer specific training programmes. Our results highlight a potential gap in UK specialist training, and suggest simulation may be beneficial in preparing trainees to present in MDT meetings.

Keywords: Cancer; MDT; Simulation; Training.