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
3117 - A modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale for assessing symptoms in one day chemotherapy clinic
Presenter: Anjuleta Kampitsi
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
6058 - Level of physical activity and nutritional status in cancer patients with fatigue: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Presenter: Patrick Jahn
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
1980 - Catheter related necrotizing fascitiis in haematological patients. Case report and implications for nursing
Presenter: Arianna Rosich Soteras
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3984 - Everyday life with Long-term Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy among Patient in Adjuvant Treatment for Colorectal Cancer – a Multi Methods Study
Presenter: Marlene Jensen
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2202 - Scalp cooler is effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia among breast cancer patients : a single institution experience
Presenter: Emilia Gianotti
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
5942 - Nursing management of fatigue in cancer patients: mixed methods study
Presenter: Angela Tolotti
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2930 - Awareness of Nursing Students about the Warning Signs of Cancer
Presenter: Hatice Yakar
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2978 - Assessment of quality of life in patients with cancer and diabetes 2 in Northern Greece.
Presenter: STYLIANI MICHALOPOULOU
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
3400 - Radiation dose variables related to the causes of skin toxicities in women with breast cancer: a study proposal
Presenter: EULALIA PUJOL
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract
2156 - How should the symptoms be managed after breast cancer surgery? An example of mobile app
Presenter: AYDANUR AYDIN
Session: Poster Display session 3
Resources:
Abstract