SIOP Africa Sub-Saharan Paediatric Oncology Nursing Network Foundation Training Programme

Introduction 

 The Sub-Saharan Africa Paediatric Oncology Nursing Network is building on existing initiatives and partnerships focussed on nurse training and education in the region. It is  affiliated to SIOP Africa and supported by World Child Cancer UK.

The network has developed a paediatric oncology nursing curriculum relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa, which meets the SIOP baseline standards for paediatric oncology nursing in developing countries. It has been endorsed by SIOP Africa.

The ‘Foundation’ (or orientation) curriculum is for nurses new to the speciality, or hospitals starting to develop their own paediatric oncology programme. It was developed following a survey of nurses working in sub-Saharan Africa which established a consensus on the essential knowledge and competence required for nurses caring for children and adolescents with cancer.

The learning materials for this programme were developed by Dr Glenn Mbah Afungchwi (from Cameroon), the Nurse Educator for the Network, with expert input from the network steering committee and other partners. Quality assurance was undertaken through review by the SIOP Global Health Nursing Network.

Past and present network steering committee members: Co-Chairs Elianeth Kiteni (Tanzania) and Rachel Hollis (UK). Members: Ayire Adongo (Ghana); Biemba Maliti (Zambia); Colleen Nixon (USA); Enyo Bosumprah (Ghana); Liz Mtunga (Tanzania); Liz Sniderman (USA); Mariam Ndagire (Uganda); Marilyn Hockenberry (USA); Megan Cruise (UK); Mpho Raletshegwana (Botswana); Obadia Ngoka (Tanzania); Tadala Mulemba (Malawi)

The Learning Materials for this programme are made available to all who may wish to use them, and can be found through the links below. The content of the individual slides should not be changed, but they may be used to meet the needs of the practice setting.

How to use these materials

The course is composed of 12 modules; broken down into topic areas, The modular presentation of the curriculum enables it to be delivered in one taught ‘block’, or as separate modules over a longer period of time, depending on local requirements. When taught as an orientation programme for new staff it should be delivered alongside a period of supervised practice, in line with the SIOP Baseline Standards.

• The Curriculum Framework sets out the core components of the curriculum, the outline and objectives of the programme.
• There are core slide decks (PowerPoint Presentations) for each of the 12 modules of the curriculum, divided into topic areas. The content of the individual slides should not be changed, but they may be used as required to adapt to the needs of the individual practice setting.
• The Facilitator Guide covers all modules of the curriculum, with additional notes for presenters and suggestions for exercises/assessments.
• The Competence Framework and assessment tool can be used to support and assess the acquisition of both knowledge and skills.

 

Curriculum Framework

This sets out the core components of the curriculum, the outline and objectives of the programme.

Click here to download

 

PowerPoint Presentations

There are core slide decks for each of the 12 modules of the curriculum, divided into topic areas.

• Module 1 General Introduction to Cancer
  • 1. What is Cancer? 
  • 2. Common childhood cancers
• Module 2: Diagnosis of Cancer
  • 1. Early diagnosis of childhood cancer
  • 2. Diagnosis (assessment, tests and investigations)
• Module 3: Cancer treatment modalities
  • 1. Chemotherapy – how does it work?
  • 2. Radiotherapy and Surgery
  • 3. Extravasation
• Module 4: Management of chemotherapy side effects
  • 1. Introduction to Chemotherapy side effects
  • 2. Nausea and Vomitting
  • 3. Blood Product Support
  • 4. Diarrhoea and Constipation
  • 5. Mucositis
  • 6. Haemorrhagic cystitis
• Module 5: Paediatric Oncological Emergencies
  • 1. Tumour Lysis Syndrome
  • 2. Febrile Neutropenia
  • 3. Sepsis and septic shock
  • 4. Anaphylaxis
  • 5. Superior vena cava syndrome
  • 6. Hyperleukocytosis
  • 7. Typhilitis
  • 8. Seizure
  • 9. Neurologic pediatric oncology emergencies
• Module 6: Care of the sick child. 
  • 1. Head-to-toe-assessment
  • 2. Paediatric patient assessment and PEWS
  • 3. Pediatric Basic Life Support
  • 4. Peripheral Venous access
• Module 7: Providing safe care. 
  • 1. Infection prevention
  • 2. Safe handling of chemotherapy
  • 3. Personal Protective Equipment
• Module 8: Psychosocial Care
  • 1. Pre-treatment counselling
  • 2. Psychosocial support to children and families
• Module 9: Nutritional support for children with cancer
  • 1. Basic nutritional assessment
  • 2. Nasogastric tube feeding
  • 3. Nutrition Education
• Module 10: Palliative and supportive care to a child with cancer
  • 1. Introduction to paediatric palliative care
  • 2. Pain assessment and management
  • 3. Preparing children for painful procedures
• Module 11: Outpatient and follow up care
  • 1. Preparation of families for discharge
  • 2. Triage at the outpatient department
  • 3. Community Education on Childhood Cancer
• Module 12: Paediatric oncology nursing and the role of the nurse
  • 1. Preparation of families for discharge
  • 2. Documentation
  • 3. EBP and Nursing role in Research
  • 4. Nursing role in the MDT
  • 5. Family-tailored effective communication
  • 6. Time management
  • 7. Resilience – Looking after oneself and each other

 

Facilitator Guide

This guide covers all modules of the curriculum, with additional notes for presenters and suggestions for exercises/assessments.

Click here to download

 

Competence Framework and assessment tool

Use this tool to support and assess the acquisition of both knowledge and skills.

Click here to download

 

For more information

If you would like more information or you have any questions please email info@cancerpointe.com.