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. 2023 Nov 5;101(11):815-820.

Situation of pediatric radiotherapy in Morocco: First national survey

[Article in French]
Nabila Sellal  1 , Souha Sahraoui  2 , Mohamed El Hfid  1
Affiliations

Situation of pediatric radiotherapy in Morocco: First national survey

[Article in French]
Nabila Sellal et al. Tunis Med. .

Abstract
in English, French

Introduction: Pediatric radiotherapy (PR) faces several issues in middle- and low-income countries.

Aim: Our study is a cross-sectional observation which aimed to describe the current situation of PR in Morocco in order to identify the needs and to propose an organizational shema for this discipline.

Methods: The collection of data used two surveys, one of which was intended to the heads of the radiotherapy department of all university hospital centers (UHC) in Morocco concerning the hospital's infrastructure, human resources, technical and the course of radiotherapy. A second survey was intended for all radiation oncologists trained and working in Morocco with data related to the practice of PR.

Results: In 2021, 295 children were treated in the radiotherapy departments of the seven university hospitals in Morocco. One hundred and two radiation oncologists responded to our survey. The multidisciplinary consultation board is held in five university hospitals, four of which have a complete multidisciplinary team. The children are sent to another structure by default of anesthesia according to 21% of the radiotherapists questioned. The three-dimensional technique is available in all university hospitals. Intensity modulated radiotherapy is available in 5 UHC. Additional training in radiotherapy after residency was necessary according to 60% of the radiotherapists questioned.

Conclusion: Despite the progress that Morocco has made in terms of infrastructure and radiotherapy equipment, this first national survey has identified some weaknesses and developed some recommendations for the organization of PR.

Introduction: La radiothérapie pédiatrique (RTP) est confrontée à plusieurs obstacles dans les pays à revenus modérés ou limités. Objectif: Décrire l’état des lieux de la RTP au Maroc afin d’Identifier les besoins et de proposer un schéma organisationnel de cette discipline.Méthodes: Le recueil des données a fait appel à deux questionnaires dont un est destiné aux chefs de service de radiothérapie de tous les centres hospitaliers universitaires (CHU) du Maroc concernant l’infrastructure de l’hôpital, les ressources humaines, les techniques et le déroulement de la radiothérapie. Un deuxième questionnaire a été destiné à tous les oncologues radiothérapeutes formés et exerçants au Maroc comportant des données relatives à la pratique de la RTP.Résultats: En 2021, 295 enfants ont été pris en charge dans les services de radiothérapie des sept CHU du Maroc. Cent deux oncologues radiothérapeutes ont répondu à notre questionnaire. La réunion de concertation pluridisciplinaire est tenue dans cinq CHU dont quatre disposent d’une équipe pluridisciplinaire complète. Les enfants sont adressés dans une autre structure par défaut d’anesthésie d’après 21% des radiothérapeutes interrogés. La technique tridimensionnelle est disponible dans tous les CHU. La radiothérapie avec modulation d’intensité est disponible dans cinq CHU. Un complément de formation en radiothérapie après le résidanat a été nécessaire d’après 60% des radiothérapeutes interrogés.Conclusion: Malgré les progrès qu’a réalisé le Maroc en termes d’infrastructure et d’équipement de radiothérapie, cette première enquête nationale a permis d’identifier quelques faiblesses et d’élaborer certaines recommandations quant à l’organisation de la RTP.

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Figures

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Figure 1. Nombre d’enfants pris en charge dans les services de radiothérapie des CHU du Maroc
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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