ABSTRACT
Background: In response to a growing cancer burden and need for improved coordination among stakeholders in Kenya, the US National Cancer Institute and the Kenya Ministry of Health collaboratively hosted a stakeholder meeting in 2014 which identified four priority areas of need (research capacity building, pathology and cancer registries, cancer awareness and education, and health system strengthening) and developed corresponding action plans. Methods: Surveys were conducted with participants to collect input on the progress and impact of the 2014 stakeholder meeting. Findings: Of 69 eligible participants, 45 responded from academia, healthcare institutions, civil society, government, and international agencies. Of the four technical focus areas, three have continued to conduct working group meetings and two have conducted in-person meetings to review and update their respective action plans. Accomplishments linked to or enhanced by t meeting include: Kenyan and international support for expansion of population-based cancer registries, increased availability of prioritized diagnostic tests in selected regional referral hospitals, a greater focus on development of a national cancer research agenda, strategic planning for a community education strategy for cancer awareness, and improved coordination of partners through in-country technical assistance. Interpretation: The Stakeholder Program has successfully united individuals and organizations to improve cancer control planning in Kenya, and has enhanced existing efforts and programs across the country. This model of partners working in parallel on prioritized track activities has supported development of long term coordination of cancer research and control activities sustainable by the Kenyan government and Kenyan institutions.
ABSTRACT
A complex interplay of logistic difficulties and socioeconomic factors have created a huge gap between what is known (and taught) and what is done (and practiced) about pain and its management in Kenya. This report explores this gap between theory and practice and other issues that influence the practical management of pain in Kenya.
Subject(s)
Pain, Postoperative/nursing , Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control , Postanesthesia Nursing/methods , Analgesics/supply & distribution , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Kenya , Nursing Theory , Postoperative Care/methods , Postoperative Care/nursing , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
No conscientious nurse involved in perioperative nursing in Kenya can afford to be isolated from the special needs and circumstances that apply to all nurses in this country. These needs and circumstances are very real and very compelling in determining the pattern of perioperative nursing and enforcing a logical solution to the problems of broken equipment, shortage of supplies, and understaffing.