1. Impact of Physician Dual Practices on a Pediatric-Oncology Outreach-Program.
- Author
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Olbara G, Handayani K, Hoogland I, Widjajanto P, Njuguna FM, Sitaresmi M, Kaspers G, and Mostert S
- Subjects
- Child, Humans, Cross-Sectional Studies, Kenya epidemiology, Government, Medical Oncology, Physicians
- Abstract
Objective: Physician dual practices (PDP) can be defined as 'doctors combining clinical work in public and private health-sector.' This study explores the impact of PDP on a long-term pediatric-oncology outreach-program between large referral hospitals in the Netherlands, Indonesia and Kenya., Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study used a self-administered semi-structured survey. The most senior doctor from each partner site was interviewed in June 2022. The survey contained 70 closed-ended and 7 open-ended questions and took 30-45 minutes to complete. Closed-ended questions were evaluated on 2-5 point rating scales. Informed consent was acquired and respondents endorsed the final report., Results: In the Netherlands an estimated 0-20% of senior doctors combine work in public and private-sector, while 60-80% do so in Indonesia and Kenya according to the respondents. In Indonesia and Kenya, most of doctors are involved in PDP to augment low government salaries. Impact of PDP on pediatric-oncology care is minimal in the Netherlands, but detrimental in Indonesia and Kenya: shortage of experienced doctors, limited supervision of junior staff, slow diagnostics and delays in chemotherapy administration ultimately lead to undermining of the quality of care and adverse patient outcomes., Conclusions: PDP adversely impact patient care at the Indonesian and Kenyan partner sites of a pediatric-oncology outreach-program. Strategies addressing PDP in resource-poor settings are required to improve treatment outcomes and survival of children with cancer.
- Published
- 2023
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