Abstract
PURPOSE The WHO framework for early cancer diagnosis highlights the need to improve health care capacity among primary care providers. In Rwanda, general practitioners (GPs) at district hospitals (DHs) play key roles in diagnosing, initiating management, and referring suspected patients with cancer. We sought to ascertain educational and resource needs of GPs to provide a blueprint that can inform future early cancer diagnosis capacity–building efforts. METHODS We administered a cross-sectional survey study to GPs practicing in 42 Rwandan DHs to assess gaps in cancer-focused knowledge, skills, and resources, as well as delays in the referral process. Responses were aggregated and descriptive analysis was performed to identify trends. RESULTS Survey response rate was 76% (73 of 96 GPs). Most responders were 25 to 29 years of age (n = 64 [88%]) and 100% had been practicing between 3 and 12 months. Significant gaps in cancer knowledge and physical exam skills were identified—88% of respondents were comfortable performing breast exams, but less than 10 (15%) GPs reported confidence in performing pelvic exams. The main educational resource requested by responders (n = 59 [81%]) was algorithms to guide clinical decision-making. Gaps in resource availability were identified, with only 39% of responders reporting breast ultrasound availability and 5.8% reporting core needle biopsy availability in DHs. Radiology and pathology resources were limited, with 52 (71%) reporting no availability of pathology services at the DH level. CONCLUSION The current study reveals significant basic oncologic educational and resource gaps in Rwanda, such as physical examination skills and diagnostic tools. Capacity building for GPs in low- and middle-income countries should be a core component of national cancer control plans to improve accurate and timely diagnosis of cancer. Continuing professional development activities should address and focus on context-specific educational gaps, resource availability, and referral practice guidelines.
Original language | English (US) |
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Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Global Oncology |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2019 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Supported in part by the Institutional National Research Service Award National Cancer Institute Grant No. T32-CA163177 (A.N.M.); Vanderbilt-Emory-Cornell-Duke Consortium for Global Health Fellows Award 5R25TW009337-06 from the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (A.N.M.), and the Human Resources for Health, Ministry of Health Rwanda, with funding provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (R.G. and A.C.-C.).
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Journal Article