Paediatric haematology/oncology workforce and training programmes for Africa: a regional analysis

Abstract

Graduate medical education programmes in paediatric haematology/oncology (PHO) are necessary to train specialists to provide high-quality care for children and adolescents with cancer and haematologic diseases. In this study, we used the Education Program Assessment Tool (EPAT). The study consisted of three components: (1) mapping the PHO workforce and training programmes in Africa; (2) using the EPAT to evaluate the current PHO programmes in Africa and (3) using a design-thinking approach to develop priority interventions to expand PHO training capacity in Africa through a collaborative co-design process. There were 236 fellowship-trained paediatric haematologists/oncologists in 37 countries in Africa. 17 countries (32%), with a total population of 42 million under 14 years of age, had no paediatric haematologists/oncologists. The continent has an average of 205 new paediatric cancer cases per specialist. 22 PHO training programmes completed the EPAT. The average score was 72% (SD 9%). Programmes showed varying strengths in the elements of comprehensive training, with the highest EPAT scores in experiential learning domains. A priority-setting exercise established interventions to strengthen PHO training in Africa, including a PHO curriculum, a leadership skill development process and a path for the creation of exchange opportunities. The PHO workforce and training capacity are highly variable in Africa. Through international collaboration and a systematic evaluation of workforce density and training programme strengths, alignment on key regional priorities and the creation of a shared model of cooperation to enhance training programmes for Africa can be achieved.