Moving children with cancer from hospital to home

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Hematology
• Cancer Care Delivery

Background:

• The Southern Alberta Children's Cancer Program is the sole referral center for pediatric malignancies in Southern Alberta.
• It manages approximately 50 new cases yearly, with a significant proportion being acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the scope and services of the Southern Alberta Children's Cancer Program.
• To highlight its role as a provincial referral center for pediatric bone marrow transplants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of program enrollment data.
• Description of clinical services including inpatient and outpatient care.

Main Results:

• The program sees approximately 50 new pediatric cancer cases annually.
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common diagnosis.
• The program includes an 11-bed inpatient unit and a busy outpatient clinic.

Conclusions:

• The Southern Alberta Children's Cancer Program is a vital hub for pediatric cancer care in the region.
• It provides comprehensive services, including specialized care for bone marrow transplants.