Organization of shared care networks and their role in overcoming challenges and enhancing outcomes for childhood cancer: A systematic review
Corresponding Author
Glenn Mbah Afungchwi
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
World Child Cancer, Bamenda, Camerooon
Correspondence
Glenn Mbah Afungchwi, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAngele Pondy-Ongotsoyi
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Department of Oncology/Hematology, Mother and Child Center, Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorJustine Essono
National Committee for the Fight Against Cancer, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorPrisca Youwa
National Committee for the Fight Against Cancer, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorAndreas Frambo
Clinton Health Access Initiative, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorNyemb Mbog Grace
Department of Oncology/Hematology, Mother and Child Center, Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorArmelle Kengang
Department of Oncology/Hematology, Mother and Child Center, Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorLydia Eyambe
Department of Oncology, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorHaoua Farida
Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorFrancine Kouya
Department of Oncology, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorBlaise Nkegoum
National Committee for the Fight Against Cancer, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
Department of Pathology, University Teaching Hospital, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Glenn Mbah Afungchwi
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
World Child Cancer, Bamenda, Camerooon
Correspondence
Glenn Mbah Afungchwi, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAngele Pondy-Ongotsoyi
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Department of Oncology/Hematology, Mother and Child Center, Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorJustine Essono
National Committee for the Fight Against Cancer, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorPrisca Youwa
National Committee for the Fight Against Cancer, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorAndreas Frambo
Clinton Health Access Initiative, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorNyemb Mbog Grace
Department of Oncology/Hematology, Mother and Child Center, Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorArmelle Kengang
Department of Oncology/Hematology, Mother and Child Center, Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorLydia Eyambe
Department of Oncology, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorHaoua Farida
Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorFrancine Kouya
Department of Oncology, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorBlaise Nkegoum
National Committee for the Fight Against Cancer, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
Department of Pathology, University Teaching Hospital, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
This systematic review examines shared care networks (SCNs) in pediatric oncology as a strategic response to the healthcare challenges in low- and middle-income countries. SCNs integrate specialized hubs with local satellite centers to enhance accessibility and quality of care. Our methodology included a search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus, selecting peer-reviewed articles from the last 20 years. We analyzed nine studies, focusing on SCN definitions, models, and outcomes. Findings reveal that SCNs improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, while reducing economic and emotional burdens through standardized protocols and efficient referral systems. Despite the benefits, challenges remain in maintaining consistent care quality and communication across centers. The review underscores the need for further research to quantify benefits, examine long-term outcomes, and refine operational practices to optimize SCNs’ effectiveness in pediatric oncology.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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