RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 EP378/#519  Cervical cancer prevention program in Nepal: a comprehensive ‘train the trainer’ approach
JF International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer
JO Int J Gynecol Cancer
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP A229
OP A229
DO 10.1136/ijgc-2023-IGCS.427
VO 33
IS Suppl 4
A1 Pariyar, Jitendra
A1 Batman, Samantha
A1 Piya, Madan
A1 Chapagain, Sandhya
A1 Lama, Poonam
A1 Maharjan, Pabitra
A1 Neupane, Maya
A1 Phoolcharoen, Natacha
A1 Baker, Ellen
A1 Varon, Melissa
A1 Salcedo, Mila P
A1 Milan, Jessica
A1 Pariyar, Shashwat
A1 Schmeler, Kathleen M
YR 2023
UL http://ijgc.bmj.com/content/33/Suppl_4/A229.2.abstract
AB Introduction Cervical cancer is a leading cancer in Nepal. Lack of access to screening and trained health professionals to manage preinvasive and invasive cervical disease contributes to high cancer incidence and mortality.Methods Cancer Care Nepal (CCN) and MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) partnered to implement a ‘train the trainer’ (TOT) program to teach cervical cancer screening and management. TOT courses were held for specialists from five institutions throughout Nepal to learn how to deliver these trainings. Each participating institution then held local courses for nurses and doctors. The training was complemented with monthly Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) telementoring videoconferences.Results Two TOT and five local training courses were held for providers from 20 centers from November 2021 to October 2022. During COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, the MD Anderson faculty joined the courses and provided didactics virtually. In-person, hands-on training using simulation models to teach VIA, colposcopy, ablation and LEEP were led by the Nepalese faculty. The 173 participants included 28 gynecologists, 4 gynecologic oncologists, 1 medical oncologist, 22 general practitioners, and 118 nurses. 126 (73%) completed the pre- and post-course surveys with 86% of respondents expressing their desire to make changes in their practice as a result of the courses. In 2022, CCN became a Project ECHO hub and has held 12 sessions with approximately 20 participants from 11 centers per session.Conclusion/Implications Our TOT and local training courses have increased the reach of training, with the goal of decreasing the burden of cervical cancer in Nepal.