MDM quality tools and processes – Statewide

Statewide - Adult

Supporting quality and sustainability of cancer MDMs in Victoria

Cancer multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) across Victoria are facing increasing pressure due to rising patient volumes and limited resources. While significant progress has already been made to improve MDM delivery, further support is needed to ensure consistent, high-quality care. This project is the first activity of the VICS MDM Quality Program 2024–2028.

Project overview

This project will collaborate closely with clinicians to design and implement practical tools and processes that strengthen MDMs across the state.

Focused assessment snapshot

The first phase of this project is now complete. Over 2 months, we engaged members of 28 MDMs covering 3 tumour types (colorectal, lung, and haematology) at 15 health services across Victoria. 73 clinicians, administrators, and health professionals shared their experiences of MDMs, including:

We thank everyone who participated in and collaborated on the focused assessments. Your willingness to engage and share your experiences – particularly during the Christmas period, when capacity is often reduced – was invaluable and central to the success of this phase.

Expected outcomes

Insights gathered from our focused assessments are now being collated and analysed to inform the development of practical, clinician‑led tools and process improvements.

They will be used to:

  • develop a monitoring tool for health services to evaluate and improve the quality of their MDMs
  • share examples of good practice to support learning and consistency across Victoria
  • identify quality-based solutions suitable for all sizes of health service
  • identify where and how each Integrated Cancer Service can support improvements.

The information collected through the focused assessment will also inform a review of the Victorian MDM Quality Framework (PDF), aiming to improve its usability and applicability for MDM teams.

Contacts

For further information about this project, please contact:

  • Seleena Sherwell – Program Director, SMICS <seleena.sherwell@monashhealth.org>
  • Virginia Mitsch – Acting Director, HRICS <virginia.mitsch@gvhealth.org.au>
  • Jenny Thresher – Senior Project Manager, SMICS <Jennifer.thresher@monashhealth.org>
  • Sian Wright – Project Lead, Cancer Service Improvement, HRICS <Sian.Wright@humerics.humehealth.org.au>
VICS MDM Quality Program
Multidisciplinary care (Department of Health)

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