Teaching Potential of Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Meetings for Orthopedic Residents: Insights From a French Sarcoma Reference Center

Abstract

Multidisciplinary tumor board meetings (MTBMs) have been established in oncology to improve patient care. While their benefits for patients have been well-documented, there are no previous studies on the teaching opportunities they provide for residents and medical students. This study aimed to examine the teaching provided to residents during MTBM and identify areas for improvement. The study hypothesized that although the primary objective of MTBM is not teaching, they could still contribute to residents' learning. The study focused on the tumors board meeting for bone metastasis and musculoskeletal tumors/sarcoma in a French reference center for musculoskeletal oncology. The composition of the MTBM included specialists from various disciplines, and it convened on a weekly basis to discuss cases. The orthopedic oncology residents (OORs) actively participated in the MTBM as part of their training. A questionnaire was distributed to OORs who had served between 2014 and 2021, and their responses were analyzed. The results showed that the OOR perceived MTBM as interesting, beneficial for their training, and challenging. While opinions were divided on whether MTBM was a suitable place for education, the majority believed it improved their knowledge of different specialties and provided valuable elements applicable to daily practice. They also felt it facilitated future access to MTBs if needed. OORs recommended the rotation as an orthopedic oncology resident to younger residents. Recommendations for improvement included incorporating more dedicated teaching time, active involvement of residents in the learning process, availability of learning materials, and post-MTBM debriefing sessions. The study highlighted the importance of case presentations, public speaking skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clinical reasoning observed during MTBM. In conclusion, while not primarily designed for teaching, MTBM offers valuable learning opportunities for residents. Enhancing the teaching experience through dedicated debriefing sessions, resident involvement, and improved support can further optimize their educational impact. Future evaluations are needed to assess the effectiveness of these improvements. This study provides insights into the teaching potential within MTBM and can guide educational initiatives in the field of oncology.