International hematology-oncology nursing education in Latin America

Abstract

In countries with limited resources, the multidisciplinary hematology-oncology (H-O) treatment team model, which relies heavily on highly trained nurses, is generally not in use. Since 1996, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been working with medical centers in Mexico and Central and South America to improve the specialty training of nurses in pediatric H-O. In 1999, St. Jude developed a strategic plan to organize a cooperative nursing education project. The initial preparation consisted of three phases. In phase one, a curriculum was developed. A consultant was hired to create and institute an evaluation system for nurse graduates of the program and for the program itself. Phase two explored the possible collaborations among existing training centers and contracted with a nurse educator to provide on-site support. In phase three, a core team of skilled multicultural nursing educators was formed. To initiate the program, we used the "Teach the Teachers" method. Four classes to date have trained 76 nurses from different countries in Latin America. Development of the International Training Center for Hematology-Oncology Nurses in Latin America has been a challenging and rewarding experience. We hope that others will find it useful in planning international education programs that will not only serve the nursing profession, but also improve the quality of care of all children, regardless of their background, race, religion, or economic status.

Supportive medical care for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in low- and middle-income countries

“…In LMIC, the need for culturally sensitive and languageappropriate pediatric oncology nursing education has been well documented [24,32,33]. Models to improve the quality of nursing care through specialized education include partnership with established pediatric cancer units, lecture series, regional training schools and development of pediatric oncology nurse educator positions, as demonstrated in Latin America [33][34][35][36].…”

“…Models to improve the quality of nursing care through specialized education include partnership with established pediatric cancer units, lecture series, regional training schools and development of pediatric oncology nurse educator positions, as demonstrated in Latin America [33][34][35][36]. Establishment of the pediatric oncology nurse educator position led to cost-effective ongoing nursing education and documented competence in key skills, peripheral and central venous catheter management and chemotherapy administration [32,37].…”

Educational Needs and Strategies of Pediatric Oncology Nurses in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…High priorities for training and education for LMIC nurses were chemotherapy (2) & Commitment motivation, working on excellence (5) & Caring for patients (also psychological) (3) & Support for parents and families (2) & Commitment and motivation (2…”

Planning and Implementation of an Infection Control Training Program for Healthcare Providers in Latin America

“…In 2000, this center in San Salvador, El Salvador, was collaboratively established by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Hospital Nacional de Ninos Benjamin Bloom (Hospital Bloom), the Salvadoran Ministry of Health, and the local nursing society. 11 The center has offered intensive courses in pediatric oncology, human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (with the support of the World AIDS Foundation), 4 and, more recently, infection control. The center is located in the headquarters of the local nursing society, which manages the training center.…”