Wasfa Farooq1, Hamid Saeed Shaikh2, Shenila Anwar3, Rehana Punjwani4, Muhammad Rafie Raza1. 1. Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan. 2. Department of Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan. 3. Nursing Education Services, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan. 4. Indus Hospital Research Centre, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract
Rationale: Approximately 8,000 new cases of pediatric cancer arise annually in Pakistan. However, there is a dire survival rate of 30-35% due to various factors, especially a lack of competent nurses in pediatric oncology care. Public-private partnerships (PPP) supported by a My Child Matters (MCM) Grant from Sanofi Espoir Foundation was granted to Indus Hospital & Health Network (IH&HN) to improve pediatric nursing standards. Methods: Starting in 2016, nurses from hospitals across Pakistan were enrolled in a continuing education program, which included a comprehensive, hands-on training component. A group chat was created following the training for communication and mentorship regarding challenges faced locally. Results: Seventy-seven pediatric oncology nurses were successfully trained by IH&HN over three years. Discussion: Challenges included lack of government funding, shortage of specialist nurses, frequent shifting of nurses away from pediatric care, and indifferent attitudes. Success of the project could have been maximized if trained nurses were motivated and retained by hospitals. Conclusion: Development and maintenance of PPP in national healthcare systems is essential to improve pediatric oncology nursing care.
Rationale: Approximately 8,000 new cases of pediatric cancer arise annually in Pakistan. However, there is a dire survival rate of 30-35% due to various factors, especially a lack of competent nurses in pediatric oncology care. Public-private partnerships (PPP) supported by a My Child Matters (MCM) Grant from Sanofi Espoir Foundation was granted to Indus Hospital & Health Network (IH&HN) to improve pediatric nursing standards. Methods: Starting in 2016, nurses from hospitals across Pakistan were enrolled in a continuing education program, which included a comprehensive, hands-on training component. A group chat was created following the training for communication and mentorship regarding challenges faced locally. Results: Seventy-seven pediatric oncology nurses were successfully trained by IH&HN over three years. Discussion: Challenges included lack of government funding, shortage of specialist nurses, frequent shifting of nurses away from pediatric care, and indifferent attitudes. Success of the project could have been maximized if trained nurses were motivated and retained by hospitals. Conclusion: Development and maintenance of PPP in national healthcare systems is essential to improve pediatric oncology nursing care.
Authors: Sara W Day; Courtney E Sullivan; Lisa Morrissey; Linda Abramovitz; Lorena Segovia; Rehana Punjwani; Julia Challinor Journal: J Pediatr Oncol Nurs Date: 2020-05-26 Impact factor: 1.636