Summary
Introduction
On 15 September 2000, JHPIEGO, in collaboration with the Alliance for Cervical Cancer Prevention, sponsored a workshop to explore training issues for cervical cancer prevention in low-resource settings. Workshop participants included representatives from the Alliance for Cervical Cancer Prevention and other reproductive health professionals from the US and 10 developing countries.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
- Share experiences among those providing training in techniques for cervical cancer prevention, especially in low-resource settings;
- Gain consensus on training methods, approaches and terminology; and
- Identify training-related quality assurance mechanisms.
Organization of the Workshop
The workshop opened with an overview highlighting the problem of cervical cancer in developing countries and the importance of prevention. Primary presentations focused on training experiences involved with screening techniques, treatment methods, cancer management and quality assurance mechanisms.
Participants then divided into four discussion groups. In the afternoon, each group reported on its discussion.
Both during the discussion sessions and after each presentation, a variety of observations and recommendations were made and consensus points were reached. Although many of these points do not relate directly to training issues, it is important for trainers and those responsible for organizing training to be aware of these issues. The discussion points and recommendations have been included at the end of the section to which they are most closely related.
Consensus Points and Recommendations
A summary of the main consensus points and recommendations on training issues is presented below.
- Critical components of training in visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) should include:
- A standardized set of definitions for test negative and test positive results, and
- As much clinical practice as possible.
- Training physicians and non-physicians (e.g., nurses) in VIA and cryotherapy is both feasible and practicable.
- Such training is possible in a finite period of time (e.g., 2 weeks) if providers are given adequate opportunities to practice on models and in the clinic.
- Training in cancer management in low-resource settings is possible, but is likely to be most effective only when:
- The available human and physical resources have been assessed, and
- Training programs have been designed and adapted to correspond to those resources and be sustainable.
- Training in quality assurance should be integrated into the cancer prevention program so that program supervisors are proficient in the screening methods and treatment techniques being implemented.
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