Education and training of clinical oncologists-experience from a low-resource setting in Zimbabwe

Global cancer surgery in low-resource settings: A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis

Global cancer surgery is an essential and complex component of oncologic care. This study aims to describe global cancer surgery literature since the 2015 Lancet Commission on Global Surgery and Cancer Surgery and perform a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. A systematic search was performed in PubMed of global cancer surgery articles. Themes were extracted from the included studies based on the following criteria: (1) performed in low- or low-middle-income countries, (2) published during or after 2015, (3) published in peer-reviewed journals, (4) written in the English language, and (5) accessible to the authors. Themes were further grouped into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). The search strategy identified 154 articles published from 1992 to 2022. Forty-six articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and SWOT analysis. Recurring themes included local epidemiologic studies, local innovations and feasibility studies, prioritizing quality of life outcomes, multidisciplinary team approaches, limited resources, health system gaps, lack of economic analyses, diverse cancer management strategies and priorities, inter-setting collaboration, research expansion, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and unchecked technological advancements. These strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were described and related to the themes of research, surgical systems strengthening, economics and financing, and political framing of the 2015 Lancet Commission on Global Cancer Surgery. SWOT analyses of global cancer surgery may be helpful in suggesting future strategies for this expanding field. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Cancer surgery is a resource-intensive yet essential component of cancer care. In the face of projected growth of cancer burden, the present gap in cancer surgery care in low-resource settings with stressed health care and surgical infrastructure risks further exacerbation. We present a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis of recent global cancer surgery literature pertaining to low-resource settings.

Competency-Based Workforce Development and Education in Global Oncology

The healthcare workforce plays a pivotal role in cancer care delivery, leadership, policy, education, and research in complex cancer systems. To ensure quality and relevance, health professionals must have the necessary competencies to deliver patient-centered and efficient care, coupled with the ability to work in teams and manage health resources wisely. This paper aims to review the concept of competency-based medical education (CBME) in the context of oncology to provide insights and guidance for those interested in adopting or adapting competency-based education in training programs. The results of a scoping review of CBME in oncology are presented here to describe the current status of CBME in oncology. The literature describing the implementation and evaluation of CBME in oncology training programs for medical professionals internationally is summarized and key themes identified to provide practical guidance for educators. Further, the paper identifies critical competencies for oncology education and training globally and presents recommendations and opportunities for collaboration in competency-based education and training in oncology. The authors argue for increased global collaboration and networking in the realm of CBME to facilitate the establishment of a competent global cancer care workforce.

Comparison of global treatment guidelines for locally advanced cervical cancer to optimize best care practices: A systematic and scoping review

BACKGROUND

Survival outcomes for cervical cancer differ between countries and world regions. Locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) is associated with poorer outcomes than early-stage disease. Country-specific variations in diagnostic and treatment recommendations might contribute to differences in LACC outcomes among countries.

OBJECTIVE

We compared international and country-specific guidelines for LACC diagnostic imaging and treatment recommendations.

METHODS

A systematic literature review and targeted search were used to identify cervical cancer treatment guidelines published between January 1999-August 2021. Guidelines were identified via literature databases, health technology assessment databases, disease-specific websites, and health organization websites. The targeted search included guidelines from countries in regions known to have high cervical cancer prevalence or mortality. Non-English guidelines were translated by native speakers or online translation services.

RESULTS

Forty-six guidelines from 31 countries, regions, and international organizations were compared (41/46 using staging criteria, 27 of which used 2009 FIGO). Most guidelines recommended imaging tests for diagnosis and staging. Chest X-ray, intravenous pyelogram, CT, and MRI were commonly recommended for diagnosis and staging while MRI and PET-CT were recommended for the assessment of lymph node status and distant metastases, with a preference for PET-CT over MRI. There was global consensus for cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiation as primary treatment for stages IIB to IVA, with few exceptions. Treatment recommendations for stages IB2 to IIA2 varied. Most guidelines agreed on adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation after radical hysterectomy when there is a high recurrence risk, and adjuvant radiotherapy when there is an intermediate recurrence risk. Recommendations for other adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies varied among the guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences among treatment guidelines by LACC stage might be influenced by staging criteria used, resource availability, and prevention program effectiveness. Addressing these areas may unify guidelines and improve global outcomes. Review and update of guidelines will be important as novel LACC therapies become available.

Initiatives to enhance medical subspecialist training in Zambia: A cross-sectional analysis

Introduction

There is a significant shortage of medical subspecialists in Zambia. The government of Zambia, through programmes at the Ministry of Health, spends considerable resources to send patients outside the country for subspecialist medical treatment. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the current situation pertaining to medical subspecialty training at the University of Zambia School of Medicine (UNZASOM) and to illustrate the new programmes that are to be introduced.

Methods

We collected data from formal desk reviews on the state of medical specialisation in Zambia, the UNZASOM graduation archives and patient referral records at the Ministry of Health (MoH). In addition, information on planned subspecialist programmes is presented.

Results

From the first graduates in 1986up to 2019,UNZASOM produced 351medical specialists, 63 (18%) in Internal Medicine, 77 (22%) in Obstetrics &Gynaecology, 82 (23%) in Paediatrics&Child Health, 68 (19%) in General Surgery, 17 (5%) in Anaesthesia & Critical Care, 20 (6%) in Orthopaedics &Trauma and 8 (2%) in Urology. The remaining graduates were in Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Infectious Diseases, Paediatric Surgery and Pathology contributing 1% each. To enhance medical subspecialist training at UNZASOM, new curricula for Breast Surgery, Urology, Glaucoma, Vitreo-retinalSurgery, Adult Gastroenterology, Forensic Pathology, Dermatology & Venereology, Ophthalmology, Gynaecological Oncology and Paediatric anaesthesia, Infectious Diseases, and Gastroenterology were developed. Since 2013, only 44% of patients requiring subspecialist treatment out of Zambia got assisted with the remainder still on the waiting list or having had bad outcomes.

Conclusions

These programmes will provide an opportunity for accessible and affordable medical subspecialization training for Zambia and its neighbouring countries. With enhanced infrastructural support, the subspecialists will contribute toward enhanced healthcare provision and improvement in patient outcomes. They will also form a cohort of trainers to expand the space for quality training and skills building of specialists and subspecialists in the region and beyond.