Multidisciplinary care in oncology: medicolegal implications of group decisions.

Abstract

Consensus is growing that multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) provide the best means of formulating comprehensive treatment plans for patients with cancer. Although many doctors attend MDMs and contribute to the decision-making process, only a few will become involved in a patient's care after the team meeting. Despite this, if a patient was grieved by a decision made in a MDM and wished to recover damages, all doctors present at the meeting would be personally accountable for decisions related to their area of expertise. Doctors should be made aware of the legal implications of their participation in such meetings. A greater awareness of these responsibilities and improved team dynamics should optimise outcomes for patients while limiting exposure of the participants to legal liability. Special attention should be given to providing patients with adequate information in this combined speciality setting.