EP290 - Is the Breast Multidisciplinary Meeting Dying?

Abstract Introduction Care by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is the gold standard for patients with cancer. It is mandated by the National Cancer Plan in 2000. However, the concept has been hampered by the increasing workload, shortage of radiologists and pathologists and changing patterns of working since the Covid-19 pandemic. Method We carried out a prospective study of the Breast MDT in a single unit looking at the workload and attendance between April 2022 and August 2023. Percentage absences of key specialists were recorded and workload was calculated by using an online statistics software. Results There was a total of 72 MDT meetings over the 17 months. Percentage absences were oncology (2.8%), Pathology (2.8%), and radiology (15%). The median number of patients increased from 58 from April to December 2022 to 68 from January to August 2023. Conclusion There are several headwinds affecting the breast MDT including shortage of ancillary support specialists and increasing workload. To remain effective, Breast MDTs would need to evolve to continue providing excellent care to breast cancer patients