Breast Cancer Quality Indicators
A Multidisciplinary Team
A multidisciplinary team is composed of members from different healthcare professions with specialized skills and expertise. The members coordinate and communicate with each other to provide quality patient care. Coordination and teamwork among clinicians results in greater efficiency and improved clinical outcomes (Journal of Healthcare Quality, March/April 2004).
A multidisciplinary breast cancer care team includes: medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, nutritionists, counselors, and other cancer specialists. With the complexity of cancer care, these specialized healthcare professionals help to provide a continuum of care through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
There are many studies that have explored the collaboration among the oncology specialties and team members. A multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer helps to ensure that women with early-stage breast cancer receive beneficial adjuvant treatment therapies (Mayo Clinic Proceedings, August 2007: 82(8), 999-1012).
Women continually report a high level of need for information about a variety of issues following the diagnosis of breast cancer. Members of the cancer team provide support and are viewed as credible and trusted sources of information (Health Expectations, December 2002: 5(4); 289-301).
Does UVa have a multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Team?
Yes. In fact, all cancer care at UVa is handled by multidisciplinary teams. The Breast Cancer team is led by a radiologist and a breast surgeon, and includes oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, breast care educators, genetics counselors and other staff dedicated specifically to treatment and care of breast cancer and breast health.
Members of the breast team meet weekly to go over new or difficult cases. As a result, patients get the combined expertise of the team – not just one specialist. Every patient’s care is also directed by and through the team, ensuring a smooth and thorough plan of care.
