Session: Poster session C

Efficacy of pre-operative multidisciplinary meetings for surgical management of strabismus.

Title: Efficacy of pre-operative multidisciplinary meetings for surgical management of strabismus.

Authors: B Gohil (O), N Tan (C), R Jolly (C), N Yadav (CF), S Jain(C)



Introduction:

Informal discussion regarding surgical management plans between strabismus surgeons is common. The informal nature of this limits potentially valuable multi-disciplinary input and learning opportunities. Weekly virtual multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings were set up to provide a platform for discussion of pre-operative strabismus surgical cases.



Methods:

Weekly virtual Microsoft Teams meetings are held on Monday mornings for 1hour, attended by three consultants, paediatric fellow, all trainees on the paediatric firm and orthoptists. The meetings are recorded and available for play-back, allowing reference to the content.

Anonymised case presentations for upcoming surgery cases are prepared and presented, with discussion from the participants regarding the examination findings and surgical management. Cases are anonymised to allow multicentre collaboration. The collectively agreed management plan is documented in the patient medical notes.



Results:

The management plan is formalised, where possible, during the MDT meeting. Where required, additional tests are arranged. There are opportunities for all participants to constructively challenge decisions. Trainees of all levels are actively engaged by presenting cases and listening to the rationale behind surgical plans, with the opportunity to ask and respond to questions.



Conclusions:

Patients are informed that their case has been taken to the MDT meeting, to obtain multiple opinions from the team which gives them additional confidence.

Orthoptists can see the impact of the measurements they provide, and how omitting or including tests can change the agreed plan.

This MDT has been a positive change to our surgical strabismus patient pathway. Knowledge and teamwork have been strengthened using this innovative virtual discussion method.