The effect of multidisciplinary team on survival rates of women with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

EBCC-14 manifesto: Addressing disparities in access to innovation for patients with metastatic breast cancer across Europe

The European Breast Cancer Council (EBCC) traditionally identifies controversies or major deficiencies in the management of patients with breast cancer and selects a multidisciplinary expert team to collaborate in setting crucial principles and recommendations to improve breast cancer care. The 2024 EBCC manifesto focuses on disparities in the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer. There are several reasons for existing disparities both between and within countries. Our recommendations aim to address the stigma of metastatic disease, which has led to significant disparities in access to innovative care regardless of the gross national income of a country. These recommendations are for different stakeholders to promote the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer across Europe and worldwide.

Communication and collaboration skills training in radiation oncology: A quantitative validation survey

INTRODUCTION

Communication and collaboration are integral in radiation oncology practice. A recently published qualitative study identified several deficiencies in skills development for Australian/New Zealand trainees. We aim to validate these findings to guide curriculum development.

METHODS

A quantitative survey was developed through an iterative process, using themes identified in the previous qualitative investigation. This survey was distributed to radiation oncologists and trainees across Australia and New Zealand via email. Data collection and management utilised the REDCap system. Question types varied to maximise richness of data, including ranking, likert-scales and free-text questions. Results are primarily reported descriptively.

RESULTS

Totally 35 participants submitted completed survey responses with broad representation across geography, gender and clinician seniority. To learn communication, participants reported strong preferences towards informal observation (60% agreement) and self-reflection (49% agreement), and against online learning (77% disagreement) methodologies. Nearly 35% acknowledge poor communication at least weekly, with time pressure being a major barrier (63% agreement). Clinical uncertainty and existing patient/family assumptions (both 74% agreement) contribute to difficulties in breaking bad news, with online learning being the only negatively perceived training modality (23% agreement). No participants reported any formal training/mentoring in multi-disciplinary team (MDT) engagement. Conflict was commonly witnessed/experienced (97%) and 26% of participants avoid MDTs due to difficulties experienced.

CONCLUSIONS

This study validates the themes previously identified. We identified a strong preference for informal learning methodologies and against online modules, discordant to published literature. Effective collaboration within MDTs is identified as a particular area of need. We recommend future curriculum modification considers these results to maximise efficacy.

Implications of Agile Values in Software Engineering for Agility in Breast Cancer Treatment: Protocol for a Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer treatment has been described as a dynamic and patient-centered approach that emphasizes adaptability and flexibility throughout the treatment process. Breast cancer is complex, with varying subtypes and stages, making it important to tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique circumstances. Breast cancer treatment delivery relies on a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals who collaborate to provide personalized care and quick adaptation to changing conditions to optimize outcomes while minimizing side effects and maintaining the patient's quality of life. However, agility in breast cancer treatment has not been defined according to common agile values and described in language comprehensible to breast cancer professionals. In the rapidly evolving landscape of breast cancer treatment, the incorporation of agile values from software engineering promises to enhance patient care.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to propose agile values for breast cancer treatment adopted and adapted from software engineering. We also aim to validate how these values conform to the concept of agility in the breast cancer context through referencing past work.

METHODS

We applied a structured research methodology to identify and validate 4 agile values for breast cancer treatment. In the elicitation phase, through 2 interviews, we identified 4 agile values and described them in language that resonates with breast cancer treatment professionals. The values were then validated by a domain expert and discussed in the context of supporting work from the literature. Final validation entailed a domain expert conducting a walkthrough of the 4 identified agile values to adjust them as per the reported literature.

RESULTS

Four agile values were identified for breast cancer treatment, and among them, we validated 3 that conformed to the concept of agility. The fourth value, documentation and the quality of documentation, is vital for breast cancer treatment planning and management. This does not conform to agility. However, its nonagility is vital for the agility of the other values. None of the identified agile values were validated as partially conforming to the concept of agility.

CONCLUSIONS

This work makes a novel contribution to knowledge in identifying the first set of agile values in breast cancer treatment through multidisciplinary research. Three of these values were evaluated as conforming to the concept of agility, and although 1 value did not meet the concept of agility, it enhanced the agility of the other values. It is anticipated that these 4 agile values can drive oncology practice, strategies, policies, protocols, and procedures to enhance delivery of care. Moreover, the identified values contribute to identifying quality assurance and control practices to assess the concept of agility in oncology practice and breast cancer treatment and adjust corresponding actions. We conclude that breast cancer treatment agile values are not limited to 4.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR1-10.2196/53124.