Barriers to Voice Behavior in Online and Hybrid Multidisciplinary Team Meetings: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rationale Guidelines for the treatment of a variety of diseases and medical conditions increasingly call for decision‐making by a multidisciplinary team, which typically takes place during multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs). However, studies examining in‐person MDTMs show that the decision‐making processes during such meetings often fall short of optimal performance due to participants refraining from exercising voice behavior—denoting the communicative act of sharing one's perspectives, suggestions, and concerns related to the patient's diagnosis and treatment options with fellow participants. The expanding digitalization and the COVID‐19 pandemic have led to an increase in online and hybrid meetings, potentially introducing new obstacles to participants' voice behavior. Aims and Objectives The present paper aims to explore the challenges encountered by participants of online and hybrid MDTMs in exercising their voice behavior. Methods Observations of neuro‐oncology MDTMs in two Dutch hospitals and interviews with chairpersons and participants of the observed MDTMs. Results Respondents encountered difficulties in expressing their perspectives, ideas, and concerns during online and hybrid meetings, which could be attributed to (1) the absence of non‐verbal cues, (2) technological deficiencies, (3) a personal lack of focus, (4) suboptimal layout of the meeting room, and (5) challenges in building relationships with other attendees. Conclusions Obstacles to voice behavior in MDTMs are multifaceted, with specific barriers inherent to online and hybrid meetings that are not present in in‐person meetings.