Assessment of Clinicians' Cognition and Influencing Factors in Multidisciplinary Treatment Implementation: A Study in Municipal Public Class III Grade A Hospitals in Southwest China

Abstract

Abstract Background Previous studies have highlighted many problems in the implementation of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) from a managerial perspective. However, no study has addressed these issues from clinicians’ perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and address the existing problems in MDT by investigating the clinicians' cognition of MDT, the influencing factors, and strategies to improve its quality. Methods A self-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate the cognition of MDT clinicians in municipal public Class III Grade A hospitals in Western China. Results Overall, 70.56% of clinicians knew the scope of MDT, and 63.41% knew the process of MDT. Professional title (P = 0.001; OR: 2.984; 95% CI: 1.590–5.603), participated in MDT (P = 0.017; OR: 1.748; 95% CI: 1.103–2.770), application for MDT (P = 0.000; OR: 2.442; 95% CI: 1.557–3.830) had an impact on clinicians' awareness of the scope of MDT. Professional title (P = 0.002; OR:2.446; 95% CI: 1.399–4.277), and participation in MDT (P = 0.000; OR: 2.414; 95% CI: 1.581–3.684) influenced clinicians' knowledge of the scope of MDT. Conclusion Approximately one-third of clinicians were not fully aware of the consultation process, whereas experienced doctors or those who had participated in MDT demonstrated a better understanding. The inadequate dissemination of MDT knowledge emphasizes the need for medical management departments to enhance MDT education, particularly for new and young doctors. Furthermore, MDT plays an important role in clinical care. Nevertheless, clinical medical personnel have not yet fully mastered the scope and process of MDT. As a result, many problems persist in its implementation that necessitate attention from the management department.