Access to Pediatric Oncology Rehabilitation in Latin America: perception
of healthcare providers
Abstract
Background The role of cancer rehabilitation is key in
maintaining functional abilities and improving quality of life.
Rehabilitation is a component of the CureALL program, which aims to
achieve at least 60% survival for children with cancer globally while
ensuring that suffering is reduced for every child with cancer. The
demand for pediatric cancer rehabilitation will increase as the life
expectancy of these children improves, but not all countries in Latin
America are prepared. With the support of Sociedad Latinoamericana de
Oncologia Pediatrica (SLAOP), the aims were (1) identify the
availability of rehabilitation services for children and adolescent with
cancer in Latin America; (1.1) identify the rehabilitation services and
the comprehensive approach they have (physical, psychological,
cognitive, social); (1.2) identify the rehabilitation healthcare
professional that work with pediatric oncology; and (2) explore the
barriers of access and opportunity that exists in Latin-America
regarding rehabilitation of children and adolescents with cancer.
Methods A survey was sent to all members of the 21 countries of
SLAOP. The survey had questions regarding different aspects of
rehabilitation, access, and barriers. Results Out of the 21
countries who are members of SLAOP, we had responses from 19 with a
total of n=123 responses. Most healthcare providers (98.4%) know the
importance of rehabilitation in pediatric oncology, and 86.2% had
rehabilitation teams. Only 19 respondents said they had pediatric
oncology rehabilitation educational programs. Barriers to access
rehabilitation were reported by 83% providers: Approachability (n=25),
Acceptability (n=4), Availability (n=76), Affordability (n=35),
Appropriateness (n=24) The main barriers associated with availability
were distance (n=31) and lack of health care professionals (n=39).
Conclusions While the importance of pediatric oncology
rehabilitation is known in Latin America, there are many factors that
act as barriers to access to care for children and adolescents with
cancer. It is key to address these barriers to improve the quality of
life of Latin American pediatric oncology patients.