Patient Participation in Multidisciplinary High-Risk Surgery Discussions: A Pilot Study

Objective: Our medical center implemented a multidisciplinary team to improve surgical decision making for high-risk older adults. To make this a patient-centric process, a pilot program included the patient and their family/caregiver(s) in these conversations. Our hypothesis is that multidisciplinary team discussions can improve difficult surgical decision making.Methods: From January to June 2022, we offered patients and their family participation in multidisciplinary discussions at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Semistructured interviews were conducted 1-6 days after the meeting. Interview transcripts were analyzed with qualitative mixed-methods approach.Results: Six patients and caregivers participated in the interviews. They found the discussion helpful for improving their understanding of the surgical decision. Out of these, 50% (3 of 6) of the patients changed their decision regarding the planned operation based on the discussion.Conclusion: Including patients and caregiver(s) in multidisciplinary surgical decision-making discussions resulted in half of the patients changing their surgical plans. This pilot study demonstrated both acceptance and feasibility for all participants.