ArticlePloS one2025
Satellite clinics to bring pediatric cancer care closer to patients in Ethiopia: Perceived relevance, opportunities and anticipated challenges.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundEthiopia faces significant gaps in paediatric cancer care, with limited treatment centers and a shortage of trained professionals, leading to delayed diagnoses, high treatment abandonment, and mortality. Establishing Paediatric Cancer Satellite Clinics (PCSCs) in underserved regions offers a potential solution.
objectiveThis study explores the needs, relevance, and feasibility of the Paediatric Cancer Satellite Clinic (PCSC) model in Ethiopia, identifying resources, opportunities, and barriers to guide its development and implementation.
methodsThis formative study was conducted from August to October 2023 in eight hospitals across Ethiopia, selected for establishing PCSCs. Data were collected through 19 focus group discussions (FGDs) with hospital and health system leaderships and purposively selected health professionals including physician, nurses, pharmacists and other categories. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti, with themes developed through iterative coding and categorization.
resultsParticipants consistently identified pediatric cancer as a significant community health issue, worsened by limited diagnostic and treatment facilities, leading to under diagnosis. The study revealed a strong unmet need for pediatric cancer care, with widespread support for establishing PCSCs to improve access. Participants expressed confidence in the feasibility and effectiveness of PCSCs, citing enablers such as existing adult oncology programs, patient demand, adequate staff, leadership interest, stakeholder support, and alignment with government plans. Opportunities included leadership backing, resource availability, partnerships with private labs, and community-based health insurance. However, challenges like inconsistent lab services and medical supplies, staff demotivation due to lack of risk allowances, role confusion, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), poor infection control, and insufficient psychosocial support were identified as potential barriers.
conclusionsThis study underscored the urgent need for pediatric cancer care and strong support for PCSCs as a feasible and appropriate solution. Although challenges like supply chain disruptions, staff demotivation, unclear role delineation, diagnostic limitations, safety concerns, and gaps in psychosocial support-, the strong commitment of healthcare providers offer a solid foundation for success. To ensure the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of PCSCs, these obstacles must be addressed through targeted improvements in diagnostics, enhanced staff support, strengthened safety protocols, and integrated psychosocial care.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.