Use Of Medical Simulation For Cancer Education In Nigeria.

11011 Background: Among the many limitations of cancer control in Nigeria are lower awareness/competence and poorer training of healthcare professionals (HCP). These manifest as deficiencies in advocacy, screening /diagnostic practices, and patient management. Medical simulation (MS) using models is an effective approach for sustainably improving the competence of HCP, especially regarding clinical breast examination (CBE), pelvic examination (PE) and digital rectal examination (DRE). Study evaluates the effect of MS during a Nigerian training course focusing on CBE, PE and DRE. It answers the question: what are the perspectives of HCP on use of MS for cancer education? Methods: Participants included a convenience sample of Nigerian physicians and nurses who attended the ASCO-sponsored Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Course. Intervention was MS using high-fidelity models. The models demonstrated normal anatomic and common pathologic features of the breast, cervical and prostate. Participants cycled through MS stations (i.e. CBE, PE and DRE). Pre-and post-training surveys with comments evaluating self-reported comfort levels were basis for comparison. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed rank test, chi-square and thematic analysis. Results: Of the 92 course participants (physicians-36, nurses-16), 51 completed the course evaluation forms (response rate = 55.4%; 51/92), and average number of years in practice was 8 (±5.2) years. Pre-training survey showed non-significant differences in practices patterns; 71% (22/35) of physicians rarely performed PE (p = 0.92), and 93% (14/16) of nurses rarely performed DRE (p = 0.07). According to some participants, “the use of simulation is quite commendable as it gives room for improvement before using a human; “it is the best method of learning I have ever enjoyed.” Conclusions: MS-based training significantly improved the comfort levels of participants regarding CBE and PE, as well as their likelihood to perform CBE, PE and DRE. Participants recommend widespread use of MS for continuing medical education and undergraduate training. Comfort levels Median IQR P-value CBE (Pre) 4 4-4 < 0.01 CBE (post) 5 4-5 PE (Pre) 4 2-5 < 0.01 PE (Post) 5 4-5 DRE (Pre) 3 1-5 0.01 DRE (Post) 3 1-4