Abstract 4757
Background
The challenge faced by the cancer patient is access to care and for the health system, thenon-availability of qualified personnel. Besides financial issues, patients face challenges of finding a cancer center. Governments are keen to offer universal health coverage but are in need of sustainable systems. A novel healthcare delivery system was designed and has been operational in several states of India.
Methods
General duty medical officers and nurses from government district hospitals were trained in oncology for one month. Various administrative reforms, restructuring and techno-mentoring (constant, 24x7, mentorship using WhatsAppR, Telephonic communication, regular continuing medical education) were used to create a system of health care delivery in oncology. The drug distribution system was changed to include essential oncology drugs.
Results
A district cancer care programme has been initiated in six states of India, involving 157 hospitals constituting about 20 % of the nation. The hospital has a nodal cancer unit, with nodal cancer officer and nurse in charge to deliver cancer services, such as counselling at all stages of care, assistance in diagnostics, (which may vary from biopsy to scan to tumor markers), follow up care, palliative care, end of life care and, most importantly, chemotherapy. A patient from the district has a choice of conitnuum of care at local hospital to which he is used. He can visit more frequently with no cost involved. This system change and empowerment has allowed the government to bring care closer to the facility and help patients gain access. A satisfaction survey done amongst patients shows there is a strong willingness to follow in districts.This is saving thousand of families from impoverishment. The creation of a system of cancer care delivery has led to other states following this example. From one state it has gone to six states,(population coverage of around 300 million).
Conclusions
Primary care physicians can be effectively empowered to offer specialised cancer care in government-run facilities. This duplicable, sustainable model (Pendharkar model) using existing human resources can be used by many countries fighting with shortages of personnel and access issues.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Dinesh Pendharkar.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
The author has declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
2927 - Singapore Caregiver Quality Of Life Scale (SCQOLS): Turkish Validity and Reliability Study
Presenter: Nur Basak
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5066 - Screening for Psicosocial Distress in recently diagnosed cancer patients
Presenter: Eva Baillès
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
6074 - Socio-demographic characteristics and quality of life analysis of cancer survivors followed at a Primary Care Center.
Presenter: Begona Grana Suarez
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5129 - The adhesion in the screening measures in carrying patients of breast cancer and ovary hereditary and the relationship with the psychological aspects
Presenter: Melinda Concepcion
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5635 - Assessment of emotional discomfort of oncological patients in the first nursing visit at Donostia University Hospital
Presenter: Elena Uranga
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
858 - A systematic review and meta-analysis of the distress thermometer for the screening of distress in Chinese patients with cancer
Presenter: Hui Hui Sun
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
4475 - Pharmacist and Nurse (PN) Led Melanoma Immunotherapy Clinic: Patient Experience Survey
Presenter: Dharmisha Chauhan
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
1871 - Phone Triage & Acute Review Clinics: The emerging role of the Oncology Specialist Nurse
Presenter: Fiona Barrett
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5193 - Patient reported outcomes during immunotherapy: symptom burden in daily clinical practice
Presenter: José Koldenhof
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2453 - Factors related to hospital length of stay, re-admissions and unplanned care for patients with cancer, an on-going study
Presenter: Helena Ullgren
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract