The role of primary care and clinical coordination in cancer diagnosis in Latin America, a new article analysing the evidence available in the region
The Pan American Journal of Public Health recently published the article ‘Clinical coordination and strengthening of primary care in cancer diagnosis in Latin America: scope review,’ prepared within the framework of EquityCancer-LA.
The article, based on a scoping review, summarises the studies available in Latin America on clinical coordination between levels of care during cancer diagnosis, the knowledge of primary care professionals regarding diagnostic suspicion, and interventions aimed at improving these processes.
Despite the relevance of the topic, the most important finding of the review is that it highlights significant gaps in knowledge and a lack of research on the subject in the region.
Although they should be viewed with caution, given that few studies were found, in specific countries and with methodological limitations, the results indicate problems in the coordination of clinical management and clinical information in cancer diagnosis and limited knowledge among primary care professionals regarding cancer suspicion, with low adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Finally, evaluations of interventions to improve coordination are scarce and, in most cases, focus on training professionals.
In a context of fragmented health systems such as those in Latin America, where the role of primary care and clinical coordination between levels of care are key strategies for reducing delays in cancer diagnosis, the results of this review provide a basis for guiding future lines of research and the design of interventions adapted to the contexts of the region.
The article is signed by Ricardo Luer-Aguila, Aida Oliver-Anglès, María Luisa Vázquez and Ingrid Vargas, from the Consorci de Salut i Social de Catalunya.
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