Work

Enhancing oncology nursing capacity in Cameroon: A mixed-methods evaluation of a palliative and psychosocial care training program

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Nurses in Cameroon and other low-resource settings receive limited structured training in palliative and psychosocial oncology care, despite a substantial and growing burden of cancer-related physical and psychosocial distress. Objectives: To develop, implement, and evaluate a training program aimed at strengthening nurses' competencies in palliative and psychosocial oncology care in Cameroon, and the transfer of learning into clinical practice. Design: A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods pretest-posttest design was used, incorporating quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Methods: A 32-hour psychosocial oncology and palliative care training program was delivered across six hospitals in Cameroon. Fifty-two nurses participated in the training program. Quantitative data on knowledge, self-perceived competence, confidence, attitudes, and practice were collected pre- and immediately post-training. A sample of 18 nurses were selected for semi-structured interviews at six months to explored experiences and barriers to transfer of learning to practice. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests, McNemar tests, and descriptive statistics; qualitative data were thematically analyzed using the framework approach. Results: Forty-seven nurses completed the evaluation survey and 15 nurses participated in qualitative interviews. The mean age was 38.2 ± 8.3 years and 83% were female. Knowledge scores improved significantly post-training from pre-test mean of 8.91 ± 2.27 to post-test mean of 10.87 ± 1.95, p < 0.001, particularly in pain and symptom management. Self-perceived competence and confidence increased significantly in communication, assessment and care planning, symptom management, advance care planning, and professional values (p < 0.001). Practical knowledge and psychosocial care attitudes improved (p = 0.02), though behavioral practice changes were minimal. Qualitative findings supported these improvements, highlighting enhanced clinical skills, psychosocial support, family engagement, ethical decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Barriers including resource limitations, financial constraints, and emotional burden restricted learning transfer. Participants reported improved patient comfort and treatment adherence. Conclusion: Tailored palliative and psychosocial oncology training improves nurses' competence and confidence, enhancing symptom management, patient support, and family engagement. Integrating these programs into health system reforms can strengthen patient-centred cancer care in Cameroon and similar settings.

Source: Palliative Care and Social Practice

DOI: 10.1177/26323524261489148