Interruptions in multidisciplinary tumor conferences with patient participation: A video interaction analysis

Objective

To identify a) interruptions (secondary activities disrupting the workflow of the main task) occurring during case discussions in multidisciplinary tumor conferences (MTCs) with patient participation, and b) observable reactions among patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods

Within the non-interventional mixed-methods study PINTU, we video-recorded five case discussions during MTCs with patient participation at one breast and gynecological cancer center. A qualitative sequential video interaction analysis was used to identify interruptions and related interactions.

Results

Occurring interruptions resulted in reactions of patients and/or HCPs. Work organization and seating arrangement led to interruptions, e.g., turning around to face individuals. Some interruptions caused reactions only among patients and not among HCPs.

Conclusion

Interruptions occur regularly in case discussions during MTCs with patient participation. Certain interruptions, which did not cause observable reactions among HCPs and seem to be commonplace, attracted the patient’s attention. As interruptions can be associated with patients' unmet need for information, HCPs’ awareness of interruptions should be raised.

Practice Implications

When patients participate in MTCs, interruptions should be reduced to improve HCP–patient interactions. Our findings can lead to recommendations for improving organization of MTCs with patient participation aiming to cause fewer interruptions and thus better quality of patient care.