3471 - Radiation Oncology Provider Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Virtual Tumor Boards: Is Quality Maintained and Does Virtual Format Improve Work-Life Balance?

M. Adams¹, J. Y. Nakashima^2,3, J. M. Frakes², S. Hoffe², and R. F. Palm²; ¹Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, ²H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tampa, FL, ³University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Purpose/Objective(s): Multidisciplinary tumor boards (TB) enable real time communication and decisions, leading to consensus disease assessment and treatment planning. Despite these benefits, TB are inherently resource intensive with personal and professional opportunity costs for providers as nearly 80% of physicians report difficulty attending TB due to scheduling challenges. When the COVID pandemic dictated the change away from in-person TB, it was an opportunity to trial a virtual format via telemedicine. Early feedback has shown that this shift has increased attendance and physician satisfaction, with no perceived decrease in TB quality. This study aims to understand the variation in radiation oncology (RO) provider TB time and preparation to better understand how the non-patient facing TB activities may impact the provider’s perception of work/life balance. Materials/Methods: IRB approved quality improvement project to evaluate provider attitude towards virtual TB integration. A survey was created and distributed to both physicians and APPs within the RO department at our institute. Surveys were done anonymously, and data collection was handled by a third-party who collated responses. Descriptive variables were used to report outcomes.

Results: A total of 21 providers responded, 14 physicians and 7 APPs, with a response rate around 50%. The majority were between 30 and 49 years old. Most had over 10 years of experience (47%). Twelve (57%) respondents attend 1 TB a week, 3 (14%) attend 2-3, 5 (24%) attend 4-5, and 1 attends more than 6. 48% preferred the virtual TB format while 24% preferred the in-person format. 57% of participants felt that the quality of virtual TB has remained the same, while 14% felt that it improved and 33% felt it declined. Regarding effectiveness of communication, 33% felt the virtual TB had a positive impact, 29% felt it decreased and 38% felt that it has remained the same. 43% thought that more patient cases can be presented virtually. Over 70% noted that the virtual format allows time for administrative work during TB. 76% reported that they are more likely to attend TB virtually. Over 90% felt that the virtual format fit better into their schedule and 76% felt that it helps improve their daily work/life balance.

Conclusion: Overall, there is a positive perception of virtual TB in RO. While there were differing options on the quality of virtual TB, the main benefits seemed to be in terms of time, schedule, and work/life balance. Given the connections between burnout and TB, these positive changes have the potential to improve physician wellbeing and productivity.