Main Session
Sep
29
PQA 05 - Breast Cancer, International/Global Oncology
2966 - Nursing in Radiation Oncology: International Needs Assessment in Africa
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Li, MD, MBA - University of Washington / Rayos Contra Cancer, Seattle, WA
B. Li1,2, S. Gray3, E. Kruse1,2, K. Kafka-Peterson4, J. C. Shiao5, M. S. Ning6, and A. Jhingran7; 1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington/ Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 2Rayos Contra Cancer, Seattle, WA, 3Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States, 4University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 5Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 6MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 7Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Purpose/Objective(s): Limited data exists about radiation oncology (RO) nursing practices or needs in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We aim to assess nursing workforce perspectives, educational interests, and clinical needs to optimize RO patient care. Materials/Methods: From January–February 2025, we conducted a cross-sectional needs assessment for nurses in 40 RO centers in Africa. A 59-item survey collected data on demographics, nursing, medications, confidence in 14 RO nursing domains, and a corresponding knowledge-based clinical competency assessment. A partial snowball effect was expected, as survey sharing wasn’t policed. Survey completion was required for enrollment in a free, forthcoming longitudinal training program tailored to participant needs. Results: 438 clinicians across 131 centers and 36 LMICs completed the survey; 355 were nurses who manage RO patients. Nursing experience with RO patients was 0 years (15.7%), 1-2 years (29.3%), 3-5 years (25.6%), 6-10 years (12.4%), and 10+ years (11.0%). Specializations (marking all that apply) included General Nurse (36.9%), Oncology Nurse (48.7%), RO Nurse (18.9%), and Other (4.5%). RO training was included in participants’ formal nurse education (45.3%), learned only on the job (29.5%), or never included (25.2%). Nurses reported their clinical responsibilities related to RO patients, as shown in Table 1. Among all participants (n = 438), mean confidence across 14 RO nursing domains was 2.95 / 5 (range 2.57 – 3.33), and mean exam score was 7.24 / 14 (51.8%) ± 2.59. Among 399 staff involved in medication management, 223 (55.9%) reported RO toxicity medication shortages, 117 (29.3%) did not, and 59 (14.8%) were unsure. Conclusion: Among a large cohort of recently trained nurses (most < 5 years’ experience) working with RO patients in LMICs, many reported no RO education in their nursing training. Still, there is high involvement in RO patient care. Our assessments reveal 14 professional domains with room for growth, for which further education is vital and should be tailored to settings with medical supply shortages. Abstract 2966 - Table 1
| Nurses specialized in RO (n = 67) | Nurses in oncology, not specialized in RO (n = 288) | Responsibilities (for RO patients) | ||
| n | % | n | % | |
| 64 | 95.5% | 213 | 74.0% | Patient education |
| 60 | 89.6% | 180 | 62.5% | Coordination of care |
| 49 | 73.1% | 150 | 52.1% | Performing a holistic / psychosocial needs assessment |
| 49 | 73.1% | 144 | 50.0% | Managing RO-related toxicities |
| 43 | 64.2% | 101 | 35.1% | Check in calls during or after radiotherapy |
| 38 | 56.7% | 125 | 43.4% | Completing a history and physical |
| 0 | 0% | 24 | 8.3% | None of the above |