Needs Assessment and Twinning Partnership to Improve Pediatric Radiotherapy Outcomes Globally

Purpose: Pediatric radiotherapy is a necessary and challenging component of oncologic care for children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Collaboration between institutions in LMIC and high-income countries (HIC) has been shown to be effective in improving oncologic treatment outcomes, however literature regarding pediatric radiotherapy twinning partnerships is limited.

Methodology: Emory University has a long-standing twinning collaboration with Addis Ababa University (AAU) for certain medical specialties. After securing funding through the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) Global Radiation Oncology Workforce (GROW) scholarship, a faculty member and resident from Emory University Department of Radiation Oncology set out to conduct a needs assessment and establish a twinning program with AAU for pediatric radiotherapy.

Results: Emory and AAU faculty and residents established initial communications virtually via email and video correspondence. AAU residents and faculty completed surveys regarding pediatric radiotherapy institutional and educational needs to outline goals of collaboration. Five lectures and case-based practicums were identified focused on Wilms’ tumor, Medulloblastoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma, and palliative radiotherapy. The Emory team then conducted a visit to AAU during which lectures and practicums were delivered. The Emory team directly observed and guided simulation and treatment planning procedures. AAU residents practiced decision-making, simulation, contouring and field placement for Wilms’ tumor cases based on didactics and feedback provided by the Emory team. Additionally, a needs assessment regarding pediatric oncologic resources was completed. Clinical care pathways and standard operating procedures were drafted by collaborators. Virtual peer-review sessions were established to continue collaborations abroad and plan for next in-person visit.

Conclusions: Collaborative efforts by global experts have helped to establish and improve treatment protocols for childhood cancer. The presented needs assessment and twinning experience may serve as a model for other LMIC and HIC centers for establishing similar partnerships.

References: