Impact on patient outcomes of spondyloarthritis-inflammatory bowel disease multi-disciplinary meetings

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To assess the impact on patient outcomes of the spondyloarthritis (SpA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings in a large university hospital. Methods A single-centre retrospective observational case-note review was conducted assessing the outcome of all 226 cases discussed at the SpA–IBD MDT meetings in a large UK university hospital between 2017 and 2022. Results A total of 226 patients were discussed. It was deemed that 97% of MDT meetings helped to improve communication between teams, and 100% were educational. A total of 57% of discussions led to an instant change of disease management, while 40% of discussions resulted in a treatment plan that avoided the use of dual advanced therapy. This improved patient safety by reducing immunosuppression. The MDT meetings were highly cost and time efficient; 125 referrals between specialists were avoided, and in 51 cases there was a significant chance of reducing future drug costs. A timely investigation or appointment was arranged following 50% of MDT discussions, helping to clarify the diagnosis and optimize patient care. Nine percent of meetings enabled drugs to be prescribed to patients that are not yet licensed for the other speciality, thereby improving treatment options available in the management of complex cases. Conclusion The MDT meetings have been beneficial for patients, the clinical team and the institution. This approach might be considered by other rheumatology and gastroenterology departments.