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Addressing cancer disparities in the border region: A NOVEL MODEL of “twinning” in pediatric oncology
Objectives: In 2008, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego (RCHSD) in partnership with SJCRH and Hospital General-Tijuana (HGT), the largest hospital in northwestern Mexico, initiated an outreach project to establish a pediatric oncology unit in a culturally sensitive manner and adapted to the local health care system.
Methods: The initial assessment revealed that, although the basic hospital infrastructure was in place, the essential elements of a pediatric cancer unit including, dedicated space, trained physicians and nurses and uniform treatment were lacking. A 5-year plan was designed to provide salary supplementation for staff, intensive education and training, and infrastructure improvement.
Results: After 4.5 years, accomplishments include: the opening of a new inpatient unit with updated technology, the training of healthcare providers, and the establishment of a dedicated inter-disciplinary team. Over 200 patients have benefited from accurate diagnosis and treatment and from psychosocial and nutritional support programs.
Conclusion: Border towns have a high need for the development of programs to address health disparities. Initiatives in the border region are highly effective, since the proximity permits close follow-up and leads to establishment of programs in record time, benefiting hundreds of children.
Program planning
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related nursing
Learning Objectives:
Describe a novel initiative in the border region to improve care for children with cancer
Keywords: Cancer, Sustainability
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have a broad background in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and have carried out projects in addressing cancer disparities in low income countries for more than 5 years. I am primarily responsible for the implementation, analysis and progress of this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.