Ep12.01 Challenges in the Implementation of the Protocol for Care and Treatment of Patients With Brain Tumors. the Case of a Hospital Center in Mexico
Year: 2025
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: BACKGROUND In 2024, as part of the EANO Mentorship Program, the Protocol for the care and treatment of patients with brain tumors of the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Specialty Hospital of Mexico Social Security Institute (HE-IMSS) in Puebla, Mexico was developed, which seeks to standardize the approach to brain tumor patient care by the radiation oncologists of the Unit with a goal to improve practice. This document has been well received by medical staff and has been put into practice since November 2024. However, there are still areas that need improvement for its proper implementation. OBJECTIVES To analyze the challenges with the implementation of the Protocol for the care and treatment of patients with brain tumors of the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Specialty Hospital of Mexico Social Security Institute (HE-IMSS) in Puebla in daily practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Once the Protocol for the care and treatment of patients with brain tumors of the Department of Radiation Oncology was established, observations regarding parameters that hinder the complete implementation of the protocol were recorded. RESULTS Most challenges were independent of the function of the Radiotherapy Department. Challenges detected are: 1) Lack of description of the surgery (extent of resection) performed by Neurosurgery, in at least 30% of the patients, 2) Magnetic resonance (MR) study generally performed pre-but not postoperatively, 3) Lack of medications, with only temozolomide available for concomitant-adjuvant use, and 4) Delayed pathology reporting times (20 business days after the surgical procedure) RESULTS Our plan is discussing the challenges with all involved parties to improve the implementation of the Protocol within a period of no more than 6 months from the implementation of the changes (March/2025), with the objective of: 1) achieving a reduction of files with inadequate surgery reports by at least 50%, 2) Increase in postoperative MRI by 20% and 3) Have pathology results in less than 3 weeks in at least 50% of all cases. Delivery of results by September 10, 2025Initially, it is critical have an adequate evaluation of the patient and necessary studies in a timely fashion, according to the protocol and for this it is imperative improve communication with Neurosurgery and Pathology Departments and the Radiology Service to explain the importance of a detailed evaluation of their procedures. CONCLUSION For a correct implementation of a care protocol for patients with brain tumors, a multidisciplinary approach is required to improve efficacy as reflected by anadequate response of the tumors and a better quality of life for patients. Therefore, ideally a tumor board will need to be set up. Despite limited resources such as access to medications, many patients can benefit from the care offered by the Unit.
Source: Neuro-Oncology
Authors: V Vazquez Zamora, E D Razis
Institutions: Mexican Social Security Institute, Hygeia Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4414800108
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