AJLA2201 - CME/CMLE - It Takes a Village: Providing International Pediatric Pathology Services in a Resource-Limited Setting-It Takes a Village: Providing International Pediatric Pathology Services in a Resource-Limited Setting

It Takes a Village: Providing International Pediatric Pathology Services in a Resource-Limited Setting

Pdf Summary

Healthcare partnerships between low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) play a crucial role in improving pediatric healthcare outcomes by addressing disparities. A study focusing on a collaboration between Angkor Hospital for Children in Cambodia and Children’s Wisconsin in the US showcases the impact of including pathology services in such partnerships. The study analyzed 347 specimens, showing that interpretations from the HIC institution led to changes in management decisions for 44% of cases with clinical follow-up. This highlights the significant role of high-quality pathology services in enhancing patient care in LMICs.<br /><br />The study also details the process of specimen shipment, data communication, and collaboration protocols between the institutions. Recommendations for successful partnerships include clear communication, project management commitment, and access to ancillary resources for improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. Another study on twinning programs between HICs and LMICs revealed that the collaboration significantly improved diagnoses and management decisions, with an 82% change from malignant to benign cases. Challenges in LMICs were noted, underlining the importance of better resources and treatment protocols. The research also stressed training programs and regional collaborations to enhance diagnostic capabilities in LMICs for reducing healthcare disparities globally. Overall, the studies emphasize the critical role of pathology services in guiding treatment and reducing health inequalities in LMICs, showcasing the significant impact of these partnerships on patient outcomes.

Keywords

Healthcare partnerships

Low- to middle-income countries

High-income countries

Pediatric healthcare outcomes

Pathology services

Collaboration protocols

Diagnostic accuracy

Treatment outcomes

Training programs

Healthcare disparities