Abstract 23: Oncology Nurse Mentor, a Model to Offer Training and Continued Mentorship to General Nurses in Low Resource Setting

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The GLOBOCAN report for 2018 estimated 47,887 new cases of cancer annually with a mortality of 32, 987 in Kenya. Low income countries face a growing burden of cancer and a shortage of specialized Oncology nurses to meet the need. Partnerships between centers with specialised oncology nurses and counties that are setting up oncology units can be a bridge to improve access to remote sites in LMIC countries. Methods: The International Cancer Institute (ICI) partnered with four counties Meru, Makueni, Sori and Taita Taveta to set up oncology centers in remote areas. Unspecialised nurses interested in oncology care were selected from the four counties and were offered short courses in oncology. Oncology nurses then travel to the sites on a three weekly basis for further on job training and mentorship. Continuous medical education is done on all aspects of nursing oncology management including assessment of patients, care of the patients, screening and chemotherapy. Results: When the program started the oncology nurses from Eldoret travelled to the sites every three weeks but gradually this was reduced and phone and tele consults encouraged. Distance from Eldoret to the four sites is Meru (168 Miles), Makueni (228 Miles), Sori lakeside (99 Miles) and Taita Taveta (353 Miles). Two sites are now independent and run on their own on a daily basis. Eight nurses have been trained and mentored. Conclusion: Capacity building through on job training and mentorship by the specialised Oncology nurses to general nurses has demonstrated improved access to oncology care in low resource settings over a shorter duration of time. Citation Format: David Wambasi, Emmah Achieng, Pamela Were. Oncology Nurse Mentor, a Model to Offer Training and Continued Mentorship to General Nurses in Low Resource Setting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 23.