Enhancing oncology nursing capacity in Cameroon: A mixed-methods evaluation of a palliative and psychosocial care training program
9 affiliations
- 1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- 2Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- 3Intensive Care Unit, Regional Hospital Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- 4Palliative Care Unit, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Service, Mutengene, Cameroon
- 5Psychosocial Oncology, National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
- 6Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- 7Department of Radiation Oncology, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
- 8Faculty of Science and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
- 9Chaplaincy, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Service, Bamenda, Cameroon
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.
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BibTeX
@article{bassah2026enhancing,
title = {{Enhancing oncology nursing capacity in Cameroon: A mixed-methods evaluation of a palliative and psychosocial care training program}},
author = {Nahyeni Bassah and Nicholas Tendongfor and Bachi-Ayukokang Ebob-Anya and Vivian Ayamba Eta and Malika Essembeson and Bih Vanessa Tita and Sango Rita Afanyini and Asu Carine Ndum and Ndzi Eric Ngah and Salisu Ango Abdul-Rahim and Che Joseph Ngwa and Anne Marthe Maison Mayeh and Loveline Ngem Mboh},
journal = {Palliative Care and Social Practice},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1177/26323524261489148},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/26323524261489148},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Enhancing oncology nursing capacity in Cameroon: A mixed-methods evaluation of a palliative and psychosocial care training program
AU - Nahyeni Bassah
AU - Nicholas Tendongfor
AU - Bachi-Ayukokang Ebob-Anya
AU - Vivian Ayamba Eta
AU - Malika Essembeson
AU - Bih Vanessa Tita
AU - Sango Rita Afanyini
AU - Asu Carine Ndum
AU - Ndzi Eric Ngah
AU - Salisu Ango Abdul-Rahim
AU - Che Joseph Ngwa
AU - Anne Marthe Maison Mayeh
AU - Loveline Ngem Mboh
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/18
JO - Palliative Care and Social Practice
DO - 10.1177/26323524261489148
UR - https://doi.org/10.1177/26323524261489148
AB - 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.
SN - 2632-3524
ER -