Operational strategies for Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) and development of protocols and guidelines

A number of challenges related to the quality of service provision across the cancer care spectrum were identified in the Kumasi situation analysis. These ranged from a lack of treatment protocols and guidelines to limited multidisciplinary teams (MDTs).

To create Multidisciplinary teams that can review each cancer case and plan for the best and most appropriate treatment course for every breast and cervical cancer patient. This, will ensure that consistent, cost-effective treatment modules are delivered for all patients in the city of Kumasi.

Implementing resource-appropriate guidelines across the city will also ensure that patients are given the best available treatment and management to achieve the best possible outcome; indeed, treatment and management will be standardised at all levels of the care continuum and in all institutions.

Through the development of clear protocols for the whole of Kumasi, health professionals in cancer care will be able to follow the same processes in managing cancer patients. This enhances continuity in the cancer care continuum and saves time and resources in the long run.

A local multidisciplinary, inter-institutional team was assembled to coordinate the development of the different project outputs in consultation with local and external experts nominated by the technical cooperation partners of City Cancer Challenge (C/Can).

The selected project team members conducted scientific visits to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, a C/Can partner institution, while an ASCO-C/Can Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Course was conducted in collaboration with C/Can partner organisations such as ASCO, ASCP, IAEA, APCA and ISNCC to provide capacity development on the multidisciplinary management of breast and cervical cancers. The final outputs will be endorsed by the City Executive Committee and the relevant authorities for implementation.