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Achievements and pitfalls in improving Pediatric Oncology Nursing standards: A public-private partnership project
Wasfa Farooq1, Hamid Saeed Shaikh2, Shenila Anwar3
1Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan.
Insights
A public-private partnership trained 77 nurses in pediatric oncology care in Pakistan, aiming to improve survival rates. Retaining trained nurses is crucial for sustained impact in cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Education
- Oncology Nursing
Background:
- Pakistan faces approximately 8,000 pediatric cancer cases annually with a low survival rate of 30-35%.
- A significant factor contributing to poor outcomes is the shortage of competent nurses specializing in pediatric oncology.
- Public-private partnerships (PPP) are vital for enhancing healthcare services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve pediatric nursing standards in Pakistan through a continuing education program.
- To address the critical need for skilled nurses in pediatric oncology care.
- To evaluate the impact of a grant-funded initiative on nursing competence.
Main Methods:
- A continuing education program was implemented for nurses across Pakistan starting in 2016.
- The program included comprehensive, hands-on training and established a communication/mentorship group chat.
- Indus Hospital & Health Network (IH&HN) delivered the training over three years.
Main Results:
- Seventy-seven pediatric oncology nurses successfully completed the training program.
- The initiative demonstrated the feasibility of training nurses in specialized pediatric oncology care.
- The program provided a platform for ongoing professional development and support.
Conclusions:
- Public-private partnerships are essential for developing and maintaining robust national healthcare systems.
- Sustained improvement in pediatric oncology nursing care requires strategic nurse retention and motivation.
- Investing in specialized nursing education is key to improving pediatric cancer survival rates.
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.
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