An innovative approach to hospital-wide interprofessional capacity building: Côte d'Ivoire National Cancer Center project.

Abstract

Background: Capacity-building initiatives targeting medical personnel in low- and middle-income countries have focused on individual medical professionals within specific disciplines. However, it has become evident that the enhancement of healthcare quality necessitates more than just individual capacity-building efforts. As a part of The National Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology Center Project in Côte d'Ivoire, the National Cancer Center Korea has initiated a training project for hospital personnel in Côte d'Ivoire.

Methods: From May to November 2023, 51 hospital personnel from 21 disciplines from Côte d'Ivoire underwent invitation-based training in Korea. A quantitative analysis of the training outcomes for the trainees and a qualitative assessment of the enablers of the training, involving trainees, trainers, and the coordinating team, were conducted.

Results: The average score at pre- and post-training evaluation of capabilities of the trainees increased from 2.3 to 4.0 (out of 5.0). In addition to medical knowledge and technical skills sharing, trainees collaborated in group activities to develop workflow manuals for disease-, discipline-, and department-specific tasks through a multidisciplinary and cross-functional approach. The qualitative assessment indicated the importance of contextually relevant curriculum development with a special focus on establishing hospital operational plans, maintaining trainee autonomy and motivation, building mutual trust and cooperation between partner countries, engaging stakeholders actively, and providing effective leadership and support structures through a dedicated coordinating team were crucial factors for program success.

Conclusions: Effective hospital personnel capacity building programs should not only focus on imparting medical knowledge and technical skills but also actively engage trainees in developing hospital operational plans. Furthermore, ensuring mutual trust and cooperation among various stakeholders, along with the establishment of a dedicated coordinating team, is essential for the success of the program.