Objective: To assess the quality, access, and affordability of care given to persons with advanced cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as reported by healthcare professionals and to compare these findings by geopolitical regions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of health professionals from LAC was conducted by The University of Texas M.D. Anderson's WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center in Supportive Cancer Care. The sample for this survey was a convenience sample of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists who treat cancer patients in these regions. Strategies for the dissemination of this survey included: Mass mailings; distribution at professional meetings/conferences; collaboration with regional institutions, professional organizations and PAHO; and the posting of online surveys. Respondents rated the appropriateness of advanced cancer care in their nations by ranking the quality, access and affordability of care on a 5 point likert-like scale. Results: Mean scores of these preliminary data for the appropriateness of advanced cancer care at the national level were: affordability=2.16; access=2.62; quality=2.79. Analysis of variance of the mean scores suggest that quality, access, and affordability of cancer care as reported by health professionals significantly vary across geopolitical regions in LAC (Bonferroni=0.005). Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that affordability of advanced cancer care is the area of most concern for healthcare professionals in these regions. The completion of the study will result in the identification of variations in the appropriateness of advanced cancer care in LAC, and guide the formulation of policies to improve the care afforded to persons with advanced cancer in these regions.
Learning Objectives: To identify advanced cancer care issues in Latin America and the Caribbean; and to identify variations in advanced cancer care by geopolitical regions.
Keywords: Cancer,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.