Evaluation of the Virtual Multidisciplinary Team Meeting Model for Adult Patients on Haemodialysis: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face multidisciplinary team meetings evolved to virtual platforms. Healthcare professionals' experiences of virtual multidisciplinary team meetings is unknown, and it is not clear whether virtual meetings are a feasible long-term alternative in the post pandemic era. Objective: To explore the experiences and perceptions of members of the multidisciplinary team managing people with kidney disease regarding virtual meetings. Design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Maximal variation sampling was used to ensure adequate representation by gender and professional roles. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, before being analysed by two researchers independently using the Theoretical Domains Framework. A third researcher was then referred to for resolving any disagreements. Participants: Members of the nephrology multidisciplinary team meeting. Measurements: Health professionals' experiences and perspectives of virtual multidisciplinary team meetings. Results: Of the nine participants interviewed, six were females and the majority were nurses. Most of the participants were aged 30–40 years. Three main themes emerged within the three primary domains: impact on staff and patient outcomes; limited technological skills, and opportunities for improvement. From the four intermediate domains, another four themes were captured: professional responsibility; impact on engagement; barriers to participation; and desire to provide optimal patient care. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals of a single centre nephrology care team reported that virtual multidisciplinary meetings overcame geographic barriers and infection control restrictions, and offered possibilities for broader inclusivity. However, strategies are needed to overcome technological issues, improve participants' skills to navigate technology, and optimize active participation.