TITLE:
Knowledge Enhancement Tools for Healthcare Professionals in Oncology
AUTHORS:
Mamour Gueye, Kanta Ka, Sidy Ka, Aissatou Mbodji, Mamadou Cisse, Moussa Diallo, El Hadji Daouda Niang, Daba Diop, Awa Ndiaye, Amadou Ndiassé Kasse, Mame Diarra Ndiaye, Ndèye Fatou Sow, Dior Ndiaye, Lissoune Cisse, Faty Balla Lo, Ibrahima Ka, Mouhamadou Bachir Ba, Rokhaya Désiré Niang, Salif Balde, Mamadou Mour Traore, Khady Thiam, Jaffar Thiam, Seynabou Fall, Papa Saloum Diop, Fatou Samba Ndiaye, Ibou Thiam, Seydina Bilal Mbengue, Aliou Coly Faye, Papa Macoumba Gaye, Mouhamadou Moustapha Dieng
KEYWORDS:
Oncology Education, Digital Learning, LMICs, Senegal, Cancer Training, Multidisciplinary Care, Breast Cancer, Health Workforce Development, E-Learning, Medical Education
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.16 No.6,
June
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: 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.