The Pediatric Cancer Task Force is chaired by Dr. Abdullah Al Nasser, Head of Pediatric Hematologyand Oncology Section, HMC. The task force encompasses a diverse membership base with representatives from all disciplines involved in the diagnoses and treatment of pediatric oncology patients. Over the course of 2012, the task force has been actively working to accomplish its objectives. Those objectives were derived from Qatar’s National Cancer Strategy. Considerable progress has been made due to the great contribution, resilience and effort of the members and the Subject Matter Experts visiting from SickKids International-Toronto.
This collaboration was evident in the visit carried out by an inter-professional team from The Hospital for Sick Children-Toronto (SickKids) in November 2012 who came to review the status of the pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant program at HMC. The team comprised of Dr. Sheila Weitzman, Oncologist, Dr. Marten Egeler, Director of Stem Cell Transplant, Sue Zupanec, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Tracey Taylor, Clinical/Informatics Pharmacist, Janine Piscione, Physiotherapist, Rivanna Stuhler, Registered Dietician, Erin Lawson, Occupational Therapist and David Brownstone, Manager of Social Work. At the request of the HMC Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Team, specific recommendations from previous reports concerning oncology were assessed and progress was evaluated. The visiting team provided support in relation to the review of treatment protocols and supportive care therapies for pediatric oncology, the enhancement of Central Venous Line (CVL) management, and development of Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) program. Together with their colleagues at HMC, the team took part in the discussion of complex pediatric hematology and oncology cases and reviewed a large portion of the pediatric oncology protocols implemented.
We are delighted to announce that, in line with the objectives set at the beginning of the 2012, 90 percent of children are currently within target timeline periods, from referral to being seen by a specialist, from being seen by a specialist to diagnosis, and from diagnosis to being put on definitive treatment, that were set by the National Cancer Strategy. In addition, the use of Pediatric Suspected Cancer Urgent Referral Form has been introduced across all HMC hospitals, Pediatric Emergency Centers and Primary Healthcare Centers.
The hematology and oncology clinics have been separated, with hematology being under the leadership of Dr. Naima Al-Mulla and oncology under that of Dr. Tayseer Al-Saad. Through the framework of the task force, the Tumor Board, a weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting where diagnosis and treatment plans are discussed, was introduced as part of the promotion of an inter-disciplinary model of care initiative. A dedicated social worker, Ms. Abeer Al-Salem, has joined the team on a part-time basis, which is another step forward in relation to attaining a complete multi-disciplinary care model.
The task force recognizes the importance of continuous education to ensure that staff is up-to-date with the latest international clinical practices. Consequently, two members of the SickKids team presented lectures to the all HMC staff – Dr. Marten Egeler presented 'Pediatric Stem Cell Transport: the way forward' and Dr. Sheila Weitzman presented on 'Hemophagocytic Syndromes'. Oncology subspecialty nursing courses regarding central venous lines management were delivered.
The Pediatric Oncology Task Force is resolute in maintaining momentum with the overarching principle of augmentation of cancer care for children and young people across Qatar.
