The course

17 nurses were trained in the course from 5 hospitals across Cameroon (highlighted in the above map). In January and February, the 2-week in-person course was delivered. This training was multi–disciplinary, with modules including childhood cancer diagnosis, management of chemotherapy, psychological care, and outpatient and follow–up care, among others. The learning method used a combination of lectures, discussions, roleplay, and hands–on practical sessions on the ward, with the aim of embedding knowledge through practical application. 

This holistic approach to training aims to facilitate a well-rounded system that supports both patients, families, and the nurses themselves.

Feedback from the attendees

Following the 2-week didactic (teacher-centred) training, the nurses returned to their respective hospitals for a 3-month supervisory period, whereby their practice was monitored and evaluated by lead nurses. In the coming months, World Child Cancer will be reviewing the impact of the training on the nurses’ competency and knowledge of childhood cancer treatment and management.  

We received some incredible feedback from our participants on the 2-week didactic course. One nurse quoted the course as a ‘stitch in time, saving nine.’ Another nurse credited the course as ‘greatly impacting how I now offer care to my patients,’ enabling her to ‘quickly identify signs of oncological emergencies.’ Overall, 88.2% of participants rated both the facilitators and the quality of handouts as good or excellent. 

A big thank you to Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) for their incredible and impactful grant and support in creating sustainable and improved paediatric oncology nursing in Cameroon.