Multidisciplinary Oncology Education Among Postgraduate Trainees: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Understanding the roles and patient management approaches of the entire oncology team is imperative for effective communication and optimal cancer treatment. Currently, there is no standard residency or fellowship curriculum to ensure the delivery of fundamental knowledge and skills associated with oncology specialties with which trainees often collaborate.

Objective: This study is a systematic review that aims to evaluate the multidisciplinary oncology education in postgraduate medical training.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane CENTRAL, APA PsycINFO, and Education Resources Information Center in July 2021. Updates were performed in February 2023 and October 2024. Original studies reporting the effectiveness of multidisciplinary oncology training among residents and fellows were included.

Results: A total of 6991 studies were screened and 24 were included. Fifteen studies analyzed gaps in existing multidisciplinary training of residents and fellows from numerous fields, including surgical, medical, and radiation oncology; geriatrics; palliative medicine; radiology; and pathology programs. Trainees reported limited teaching and knowledge of oncology outside of their respective fields and endorsed the need for further multidisciplinary oncology training. The remaining 9 studies assessed the effectiveness of educational interventions, including tumor boards, didactic sessions, clinical rotations, and case-based learning. Trainees reported significant improvements in multidisciplinary oncology knowledge and skills following the interventions.

Conclusions: These data suggest postgraduate medical trainees have limited formal multidisciplinary oncology training. Existing educational interventions show promising results in improving trainees' oncology knowledge and skills. There is a need for further research and the development of multidisciplinary oncology curricula for postgraduate medical training programs.

Keywords: fellow; geriatrics; hematology; multidisciplinary; oncology; palliative; postgraduate medical education; radiation oncology; resident; surgery.

Figure 1.. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) diagram of the systematic review. Adapted from Page et al [13].