Knowledge Enhancement Tools for Healthcare Professionals in Oncology
Background: The burden of cancer is rising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet major gaps persist in oncology education and workforce capacity. In Senegal, the shortage of trained oncology professionals and limited access to up-to-date educational resources compromise the quality of care. Objective: This project aimed to strengthen oncology education in Senegal through the development and deployment of a suite of digital learning tools adapted to the local context, targeting healthcare professionals and patients. Methods: Supported by an Independent Medical Education grant from Pfizer, the project adopted a blended educational approach combining online modules, in-person workshops, and interactive content. Topics addressed included breast cancer care, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, multidisciplinary coordination, and patient education. A total of seven specialty modules and six patient/nurse-targeted modules were produced and made freely accessible via the online platform https://cancer-senegal.org. Impact was measured through pre- and post-training assessments, participant feedback, and platform analytics. Results: More than 100 healthcare professionals engaged with the content, with knowledge gains averaging 28% post-intervention. High satisfaction levels were reported, particularly for the modular structure and contextual relevance of the material. Nurses and allied professionals also benefited from targeted practical guides, while patient-facing tools improved communication and understanding of the care pathway. Conclusion: This initiative demonstrates that a context-sensitive, multi-format educational platform can significantly enhance oncology training and multidisciplinary coordination in LMICs. The open-access nature of the tools supports long-term dissemination and capacity building across francophone Africa.
Authors
- Mouhamadou Bachir Bâ (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9125-2523)
- Rokhaya Niang
- Moussa Diallo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1632-7027)
- Kanta Ka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5756-7265)
- Mame Diarra Ndiaye (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2214-9845)
- Amadou Ndiassé Kassé
- Sidy Ka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2846-0036)
- Lissoune Cissé
- Aïssatou Mbodji
- Diouma Ndiaye (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3896-0667)
- Aliou Faye (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3812-3252)
- El Hadji Daouda Niang
- J Thiam
- D Diop
- Ibrahima Ka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9952-9806)
- K. Thiam (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8319-8985)
- Seynabou Fall
- Awa Ndiaye
- Mamour Gueye
- M Traoré
- Mohamed Dieng
- Papa Macoumba Gaye
- Ndèye Fatou Sow
- Fatou Samba Diago Ndiaye
- Papa Saloum Diop
- Faty Balla Lo
- Salif Baldé
- Ibou Thiam
- Mamadou Cissé
- Seydina Bilal Mbengue
Institutions
- Cheikh Anta Diop University (SN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Cancer Therapy
- Published
- 2025-01-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.4236/jct.2025.166017
- Primary Topic
- Innovations in Medical Education
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Pfizer
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar