article · Neuro-Oncology Advances
Pediatric neuro-oncology requires intensive coordination among multidisciplinary specialists, which often leaves families facing logistical hurdles and emotional distress during treatment. A six-month study at Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria evaluated the impact of introducing a patient navigator into a pediatric neuro-oncology programme. The navigator assisted families with diagnosis confirmation, clinic attendance, caregiver education, treatment coordination, and referrals. Comparing a cohort managed with navigation to an earlier cohort without it showed that the average time from diagnosis to treatment initiation fell from 37 days to 22 days. Although appointment adherence rates were identical between the groups, caregiver satisfaction improved markedly, with 87 percent in the navigated group rating their experience as very good or excellent. Navigators also ensured that more than 90 percent of planned referrals for ancillary services, including imaging and molecular testing, were successfully completed.
Navigating complex cancer treatment across multiple clinical specialists can be overwhelming for families and can lead to dangerous delays. Demonstrating that dedicated patient navigators significantly reduce treatment wait times and improve caregiver communication offers a practical, low-technology approach to strengthening cancer care delivery and outcomes in resource-constrained hospital environments.
The findings support an applied, operational model for hospital administrators and health services looking to optimise multidisciplinary cancer workflows. While not a commercial product, the intervention provides an evaluated service framework that tertiary hospitals and healthcare funders can adopt directly to improve care coordination, referral completion, and patient retention in clinical pathways.
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Abstract Background & Aim Pediatric neuro-oncology requires high-level coordination and cooperation among a team of multidisciplinary experts. As specialists focus on the technical aspects of disease and treatment, families often experience significant distress and logistical challenges navigating the diagnosis and treatment journey. This study evaluated the role and value of patient navigation in enhancing the function and effectiveness of a pediatric neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) in a tertiary care setting in Nigeria. Methods An interventional observational study was conducted within the pediatric neuro-oncology program of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital over a 6-month period. Two cohorts without (A) and with (B) patient navigator involvement were assessed. Involvement included diagnosis confirmation, multidisciplinary/joint clinic attendance, patient and caregiver education, and treatment coordination. Data on time to treatment initiation and appointment adherence were collected, while questionnaires were used to assess caregiver satisfaction in both cohorts. Results Time from diagnosis to treatment initiation was an average of 22 (Cohort B) versus 37(Cohort A) days. Appointment adherence was equal in both arms, and caregiver satisfaction scores reflected enhanced communication and confidence in care, with 87% of respondents in Cohort B reporting “very good” or “excellent” experiences. The navigator also facilitated completion of over 90% of planned referrals to ancillary services such as imaging, molecular testing, and specialist services. Conclusion Patient navigation significantly enhances caregiver satisfaction and reduces time to initiation of treatment. incorporation into the MDT structure in SSA would potentially improve outcomes for pediatric brain tumors.
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DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdaf213.084
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