Development of paediatric oncology shared-care networks in low-middle income countries

The role of twinning in sustainable care for children with cancer: A TIPPing point? SIOP PODC Working Group on Twinning, Collaboration, and Support

“…Written formalization of the partnership with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is essential 16,17 . The MOU provides, for both internal and external stakeholders, a high‐level guiding framework for the intended collaboration that is clear and unambiguous and permits easy review and updating (Table 3).…”

“…In TIPPs, initial discussion often aims at physician and nurse training, but it is important to ensure there is transfer of knowledge and development for all members of staff in the unit, including junior and support staff. Training in HIC through exchanges/fellowships has proved of mixed benefit: resources available are different, many practices are not applicable, and the unique problems of LMIC are not addressed 17 . As a result, health professionals may not return home, creating a “brain drain” that damages the LMIC center (G. Chantada personal communication 5 May 2020).…”

“…As a result, health professionals may not return home, creating a “brain drain” that damages the LMIC center (G. Chantada personal communication 5 May 2020). Regional training, such as fellowship programs in UNOP Guatemala serving candidates from Latin America, the National University Hospital Singapore, serving South East Asia, or the Red Cross Children's Hospital in Cape Town serving Africa, are of much greater value and can even cover specialized needs, such as bone marrow transplantation or neuro‐oncology 17,18 . Web‐based tumor boards 19 and adapted protocols also benefit patient care in the LMICs 20 …”