CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDY GROUP ON HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION INVOLVING SEVERAL CENTERS IN BRAZIL – AS MEMBERS OF AMARTE ALLIANCE.

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood cancer is the first cause of death from disease in children and the second cause of death in general. Children and adolescents have around an 80% chance of being cured with early diagnosis and treatment in specialized centers. In 2018, the World Health Organization, together with St. Jude's Hospital, launched the Global initiative for Childhood Cancer to support the construction and maintenance of childhood cancer programs, with the goal of achieving at least 60% global survival rate for children with cancer by 2030. In Brazil, supported by St Jude Global, there is an alliance (AMARTE) between several pediatric oncology centers with the aim of equalizing diagnoses, homogenizing treatment and promoting scientific development. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is one of the treatment modalities for childhood cancer, being a complex procedure that involves many professionals in all its stages. In September 2023, a HSCT study group linked to AMARTE alliance was started with the participation of several pediatric transplant centers in Brazil, with the aim of creating an interface between the centers, optimizing and improving the process of HSCT. Objective: Here we describe the process of construction and development of a multidisciplinary study group in HSCT. Results: We started by creating a group through WhatsApp, which is an instant messaging social network popular among Brazilians and can be used as a strong communication tool. We asked participants in the WhatsApp group to include members from the various multidisciplinary areas of their HSCT team who were interested in participating in the study group. We then carried out a survey to validate the best day and time to hold two monthly meetings via Zoom Meetings, which is a video conferencing platform. The meetings were divided into two moments, the first focusing on discussions of cases with HSCT indications, open to pediatric oncologists, and the second meeting focused on projects involving mainly the multidisciplinary transplant team. There has been significant participation from teams, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists and occupational therapist. Conclusion: The interface between the various professionals working in HSCT has demonstrated a broad panorama, with several possibilities for improving patient care, producing scientific work and acquiring knowledge, free of charge.