Improving Anatomic Pathology in Sub-Saharan Africa to Support Cancer Care. Issue 4 (19th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, Michael L; Ayers, Stephanie; Berney, Daniel; Eslan, Alexia; Guarner, Jeannette; Lester, Susan; Masia, Ricard; Moloo, Zahir; Mutuku, Angela; Roberts, Drucilla; Stall, Jennifer; Sayed, Shahin
• Is Part Of: American journal of clinical pathology. Volume 149:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 310
• Page End: 315
• Publication Date: 2018-02-19
• Subjects: Global health -- Pathology -- Cancer care -- Education -- Training; Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; Pathology -- Periodicals; 616.07
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqx158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-9173

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Cancer care requires both accurate pathologic diagnosis as well as pathologic cancer staging. We evaluated three approaches to training pathologists in sub-Saharan Africa to perform pathologic cancer staging of breast, cervix, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Methods: One of three training methods was used at each workshop: didactic, case-based testing (CBT), or a blended approach. The project involved 52 participants from 16 pathology departments in 11 countries in East, Central, and Southern Africa. Evaluation of each method included pre- and postworkshop knowledge assessments, online pre- and postworkshop surveys of practice changes at the individual and institutional levels, and selected site visits. Results: While CBT resulted in the highest overall average postassessment individual scores, both CBT and blended approaches resulted in 19% increases in average scores from pre- to postworkshop assessments. Institutions that participated in the blended workshop had increased changes in practice as indicated by the institutional survey. Conclusions: Both CBT and a blended approach are effective methods for training pathologists in pathologic cancer staging. Both are superior to traditional lectures alone.