Situation
For lung cancer patients in Kenya, receiving an initial diagnosis is only part of the diagnostic journey.
Additional testing, including histology, immunohistochemistry and EGFR testing, may be required to determine the most appropriate treatment.
For patients living outside Nairobi, completing these tests can create significant logistical and financial challenges. Tissue samples may need to be transported to Nairobi, often by patients or their families. Delays, improper sample handling and the potential need for repeat biopsies can further extend the time between diagnosis and treatment decisions.
For patients and families already navigating a serious diagnosis, these additional barriers create significant physical, financial and emotional strain.
Solution
In September 2024, a multinational pharmaceutical company partnered with Axios to introduce a Patient Support Program designed to improve access to diagnostic services for lung cancer patients across Kenya.
This PSP was specifically designed to address the logistical, financial, and operational barriers faced by patients. Through the PSP, tissue samples were collected directly from hospitals and securely transported to a diagnostic center in Nairobi, eliminating the burden on patients and their families to manage this themselves. By covering the costs of essential diagnostic tests, including the EGFR test, the PSP alleviated the significant financial strain that previously deterred patients from completing the diagnostic process.
Furthermore, the PSP ensured proper handling of samples during transportation to prevent damage, which in turn reduces the need for repeat biopsies. Once the tests were completed, the results are promptly shared with the treating physician, enabling faster decision-making and initiation of appropriate treatment. This extensive approach significantly streamlined the diagnostic process, reduced delays, and improved the overall experience for patients.
Results
Within the first few months of implementation, 45 cases were referred and 43 patients enrolled, representing an enrollment rate of more than 95%.
Most significantly, the average time from referral to diagnostic result was reduced to 9.5 calendar days, compared with delays of several months previously described in the source material.
By adopting a patient-centered approach, the PSP demonstrated how strategic interventions can transform healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients in Kenya.
