Over a 3 month period a sample of 47 random cases were reviewed from the
colorectal MDT. In three patients, there were significant differences between the preliminary
consultant decision and the MDT recommendation: in one case management was changed
based on further information about patient co-morbidity and performance status. In only one
case was there a material alteration to a CT report, which altered management. The annual
costs of running this colorectal local MDT alone were estimated at £162,734þ per annum with
opportunity costs of at least twice that.
CONCLUSION: The costs of MDT meetings are very high producing a small clinical impact. At
a time of increasing financial and capacity pressure in healthcare systems, the use of scarce
resources may be better deployed elsewhere.