Addressing regional disparities in pediatric oncology: Results of a collaborative initiative across the Mexican-North American border.
Pediatr Blood Cancer
; 64(6)2017 06.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28000395
BACKGROUND: Cancer is emerging as a major cause of childhood mortality in low- and middle-income countries. In Mexico, cancer is the number one cause of death in children aged 5-14. Until recently, many children with cancer from Baja California, Mexico, went untreated. We reasoned that an initiative inspired by the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) "twinning" model could successfully be applied to the San Diego-Tijuana border region. In 2008, a twinning project was initiated by Rady Children's Hospital, SJCRH, and the General Hospital Tijuana (GHT). Our aim was to establish a pediatric oncology unit in a culturally sensitive manner, adapted to the local healthcare system. PROCEDURE: An initial assessment revealed that despite existence of basic hospital infrastructure at the GHT, the essential elements of a pediatric cancer unit were lacking, including dedicated space, trained staff, and uniform treatment. A 5-year action plan was designed to offer training, support the staff financially, and improve the infrastructure. RESULTS: After 7 years, accomplishments include the opening of a new inpatient unit with updated technology, fully trained staff, and a dedicated, interdisciplinary team. Over 700 children have benefited from accurate diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Initiatives that implement long-term partnerships between institutions along the Mexican-North American border can be highly effective in establishing successful pediatric cancer control programs. The geographic proximity facilitated accelerated training and close monitoring of project development. Similar initiatives across other disciplines may benefit additional patients and synergize with pediatric oncology programs to reduce health disparities in underserved areas.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Saúde Global
/
Atenção à Saúde
/
Neoplasias
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Prognostic_studies
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limite:
Adolescent
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
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Newborn
País/Região como assunto:
Mexico
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Pediatr Blood Cancer
Assunto da revista:
HEMATOLOGIA
/
NEOPLASIAS
/
PEDIATRIA
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de publicação:
Estados Unidos