The experiences of specialist nurses working within the uro-oncology multidisciplinary team in the UK

Purpose UK prostate cancer nursing care is provided by a variety of urology and uro-oncology nurses. There are a number of service arrangements and intersections with several multidisciplinary teams (MDT) which were investigated. Design The study consisted of a national survey with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Methods A secondary analysis of a data subset from a UK whole population survey was undertaken (n=285) of the specialist nursing workforce and the services they provide. Data was collected on the experience of working in the MDT. Results 45% of the respondents felt they worked in a functional MDT, 12% felt they worked in a dysfunctional MDT and 3.5% found the MDT meeting intimidating. 34% of the nurses felt they could constructively challenge all members of the MDT in meetings. Themes emerging from open-ended questions were lack of interest in non-medical concerns by other team members, ability to constructively challenge decisions or views within the meeting and little opportunity for patient’s wishes to be expressed. Conclusions Despite expertise and experience nurses had a variable, often negative, experience of the MDT. It is necessary to ensure that all participants can contribute, are heard and are valued. More emphasis should be given to patient’s non-medical needs.