Impact Of Online Access To Rare Multidisciplinary Expertise In Pediatric Oncology: Prospective Analysis Of Tmc Ncg Navya Online Expert Opinion Service
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: centres across Delhi and Hyderabad.Caregivers of children with cancer (<18 years) and healthcare professionals (oncologists, senior residents, nurses, social workers, dieticians, psychologists and a radiologist) were interviewed.Purposive sampling to saturation was used to ensure adequate representation of the child's gender, age, cancer type, geographical location and socioeconomic status.Semi-structured interviews were audio recorded after obtaining informed consent.Thematic content analysis was conducted and organised using NVivo 11. Results : Thirty-four caregivers and 27 healthcare professionals were interviewed.There are two phases encapsulating the experiences of the family: referral pathways taken and upon reaching the cancer centre.Most caregivers, especially those from distant geographical areas had variable and inconsistent referral pathways partly due to influence from family or friends, availability of specialist doctors, availability of diagnostic facilities outside major cities and long travel times.Upon reaching the cancer centre, families faced issues around navigating the hospital facilities, finding accommodation, and comprehending the diagnosis and treatment pathway.Throughout both phases, financial constraint was a recurring theme amongst low-income families unable to support daily expenses throughout their journey.Caregiver knowledge and awareness of the disease and health system, in addition to religious and social factors were also barriers.Healthcare professionals reported similar themes, which are barriers in the patient journey.Additional themes identified related to infrastructure, patient load in hospitals and government buy-in.Both groups of respondents also acknowledged physical and psychological impact on the wider family as an indirect barrier.Conclusion : This multicentre qualitative study highlights and explores some of the barriers to childhood cancer treatment in India, starting from symptom onset till the start of treatment.This information would inform various stakeholders and help plan ameliorated interventions addressing these barriers.
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $600
OpenAlex ID: W2901995482