Implementation of a virtual multi-disciplinary model of care for people affected by cancer: a qualitative evaluation

• Published in: BMC health services research Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 831 - 8
• Main Authors: Beks, Hannah, Binder, Marley J., Clayden, Suzanne, Ludowyk, Justin, Campbell, David, Freeman, Jessica, Collins, Ian M., Underhill, Craig, Buzza, Mark, Barrett, Michelle, Faisal, Wasek, Swiatek, Dayna, Ugalde, Anna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 01.07.2025; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Australia; Care and treatment; COVID-19; Data analysis; Delivery of health care; Evaluation; Genital cancers; Health services; Interviews; Logic; Medical protocols; Meetings; Methods; Oncology; Penile cancer; Penile neoplasms; Penis; Program evaluation; Qualitative research; Rare and less common cancer; Teams; Testicular cancer; Testicular neoplasms; Video teleconferencing; Working groups; Australia; Program evaluation; Delivery of health care; Australia; Testicular neoplasms; Penile neoplasms; Rare and less common cancer
• ISSN: 1472-6963; 1472-6963
• DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-12990-5

Objectives To undertake a qualitative evaluation of the implementation of the Penile and Testicular cancer multidisciplinary meeting (PEN-TEST MDM) model pilot including the acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, and requirements for sustaining the model from the perspectives of key informants. Design, setting, participants A qualitative evaluation of the PEN-TEST MDM model six-month implementation pilot at Barwon Health (Victoria, Australia) (January to July 2024) was undertaken from July to September 2024. Qualitative data was obtained from semi-structured interviews undertaken with key informants, including working group members and end-users (referring and attending clinicians). Data was analysed abductively and reported, guided by Proctor's implementation outcomes framework. Main outcome measures Key themes pertaining to implementation outcomes based on qualitative analysis. Results Thirteen key informants were interviewed. Three key concepts were developed: (1) value for the clinician workforce: acceptability and adoption, (2) optimising patient care: appropriateness and feasibility, and (3) considerations for sustainability and scalability. Conclusions The PEN-TEST MDM model is a promising approach for reviewing patient cases with penile or testicular cancer. Findings support the importance of ongoing stakeholder engagement to shape the next iteration, and further investment to refine, sustain, and scale the model. Subject to this, scoping opportunities for scaling to other less common or rare cancers is warranted. The MDM model established has potential to be transformative in addressing inequitable access to specialist cancer care. Keywords: Penile neoplasms, Testicular neoplasms, Delivery of health care, Program evaluation, Rare and less common cancer, Australia