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June 26, 2026Neuro-Oncology Pediatrics0 citationsOpen Access

ID #716 Assessment of pediatric neuro-oncology capacity in Uganda using the PANORAMA tool a cross-sectional resource analysis

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RARacheal AngomUganda Cancer InstituteTKTomson Katungi-MabareCURE Children’s Hospital of UgandaVNVeronica NyakatoUganda Cancer Institute

Key Points

  • This assessment aimed to evaluate capacity and identify gaps in pediatric neuro-oncology services at two hospitals in Uganda.
  • Cross-sectional, facility-based assessment utilizing the PANORAMA tool.
  • Data collected through a structured electronic survey in REDCap by a local assessor.
  • Quantitative analysis used a predefined scoring algorithm with performance ratings.
  • UCI achieved strong performance ratings in several domains: National Context (80%), Hospital Profile (86%), Organization & Integration (81%), Finance (82%).
  • Significant gaps identified: Pathology scored 50% (no neuropathologist), Radiotherapy scored 54% (2-4 month wait), Chemotherapy scored 53% (no standardized protocols).
  • Critical staffing deficits were noted, necessitating targeted interventions for improvement.

Abstract

Abstract Background Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumor care is complex and resource-intensive. In low-income countries, a systematic assessment of service capacity is essential to identify gaps and prioritize interventions that improve care. The PANORAMA (PediAtric Neuro-Oncology Resources AssessMent Aid) tool was developed to evaluate pediatric neuro-oncology services. This study sought to evaluate the capacity and identify gaps in pediatric neuro-oncology services at two collaborating hospitals in Uganda: Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and Cure Children’s Hospital of Uganda (CCHU). Methods A cross-sectional, facility-based assessment was conducted using the PANORAMA tool, comprising quantitative and qualitative items across 13 domains. Data collection involved a local assessor at UCI completing a structured electronic survey in REDCap. Quantitative responses were analyzed using a predefined scoring algorithm, with domain performance rated as A (≥80%), B (60–79%), or C (60%). Results UCI demonstrated strong infrastructure with A-rated performance in National Context (80%), Hospital Profile (86%), Organization Chemotherapy scored 53% (C) with no standardized protocols or targeted therapies.There were critical deficits in specialized staffing. Conclusion While the UCI/CCHU collaboration has a strong foundation, critical gaps remain in pathology, precision diagnostics, and protocolized treatment. Priority areas for intervention include capacity-building in neuropathology, protocol standardization, specialist training, and improving access to radiotherapy. The PANORAMA tool, with its multi-dimensional gap analysis, provides an actionable framework for quality improvement in resource-variable settings. 1. Rajagopal R, Diaz-Coronado R, Hamid SA, et al. OTHR03. Development of PANORAMA: an assessment tool for pediatric neuro-oncology service delivery capacity. Neuro Oncol. 2024; doi:10.1093/neuonc/noae064.674.

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Cite This Study

Angom et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a3e1966030ad1a9b3092184https://doi.org/10.1093/neuped/wuag026.296
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