Participant Evaluation of a Multi-Disciplinary Oncology Preceptorship and Training Program for Oncology Health Professionals from Ghana

Purpose/Objective(s)

The disparate cancer outcomes in low- and middle-income countries are a result of limited material resources and a critical shortage of skilled health care workers. A 2018 needs assessment performed in Kumasi, Ghana, identified a lack of a multidisciplinary cancer approach as a primary challenge to improving cancer care. Here we report a participant evaluation of a multidisciplinary preceptorship program.

Materials/Methods

In collaboration with the city of Kumasi, a single US based academic center and NGO hosted a preceptorship program to provide comprehensive training for the multidisciplinary management of breast and cervix cancer. A total of 14 health care workers from Kumasi, Ghana, representing all cancer care disciplines, received 2 weeks of preceptorship at the US host institution in November and December 2021. Each participant and preceptor were requested to complete an anonymous post-participation survey.

Results

Of the 14 participants, 10 completed the survey. All participants found participation in the program "valuable and applicable to their clinical practice." 90% of participants indicated they were able to "review effective and critical elements in the development and expansion of the multidisciplinary team" and able to "solve practical clinical cases as a team" and are "very likely to continue collaborating with the contacts" from the host institution. General themes of satisfaction include (1) organization and administration, (2) clinical observations and demonstrations, (3) guidelines development, and (4) networking with many recognizing the central importance of multidisciplinary care and the value of cultivating a team-based approach. Pertinent to radiation oncology, respondent satisfaction related to clinical observation, demonstration, and guideline development in VMAT and HDR planning, linear accelerator function and maintenance, and other medical physics quality assurance processes. The most common request for improvement was to increase the duration of the program with other respondents suggesting identification of future preceptors with specific interest in global oncology. A total of 16 out of 40 preceptors completed the survey. All respondents reported that the training was felt to meaningfully "influence patient care in Ghana", that participation as a preceptor "added value or joy to their clinical practice," and all wished to "participate in future preceptorship programs."

Conclusion

After a focused 2-week oncology training program, participants from Ghana reported high satisfaction, usefulness from observing specialized cancer care, and value in closely observing a multidisciplinary oncology team. Preceptors reported the experience added joy and perspective to their clinical practice and wished to participate in future preceptorship programs.