SUN-859 - Development and Evaluation of A Structured Referralproforma for Endocrinology Multidisciplinary Teammeetings (Mdtms)

Objective:
This project aimed to develop and evaluate a structured, endocrine-specific referral proforma for multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH), assessing its usability and addressing inefficiencies in the referral process, while supporting the hospital’s digital goals.

Background:
MDTMs are essential for coordinated, patient-centred care in specialties like endocrinology. However, increasing workloads, time pressures, and inconsistent referral practices lead to incomplete information, hindering decision-making. A standardized referral process can improve the clarity and quality of shared information, enhancing communication across disciplines.

Methods:
A scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines identified 66 studies in oncology, surgery, and palliative care, with none on endocrine MDTMs.
Based on these findings, a draft proforma was developed and refined through iterative feedback from endocrinology staff at TUH. The tool’s usability, clarity, and completeness were evaluated using a mixed-methods survey distributed to clinicians (N=15), incorporating quantitative ratings and qualitative comments.

Results:
The survey, completed by seven respondents (n=7), showed strong support for the structured referral proforma. Most (85.71%) agreed it would reduce workload and improve referral quality. The layout was rated as "extremely clear" (57.14%) or "very clear" (42.86%), and the content was considered complete by most participants. Qualitative feedback highlighted expected benefits such as greater efficiency, along with suggestions for integration into existing systems and minor refinements. These findings reflect themes from the scoping review, which emphasised that structured proformas improve communication, streamline referrals, and support effective MDTM decision-making.

Conclusions:
The structured referral proforma was well-received by clinical users, supporting its suitability for adoption in endocrine MDTMs. This project demonstrates the value of clinician-led innovation in addressing workflow gaps and aligns with TUH's digitalisation strategy. Further refinement and integration into the hospital’s electronic systems are recommended to maximise its impact and scalability.

*Unless otherwise noted, all abstracts presented at ENDO must not be released to the press or the public until the date and time of presentation. For oral presentations, the abstracts are embargoed until the session begins. The Endocrine Society reserves the right to lift the embargo on specific abstracts that are selected for promotion prior to or during ENDO.*