“Pioneers, yes. We all should think that way” Improving Papua New Guinea Cancer Nurses Education through an International Partnership

Objectives

First, to understand Papua New Guinea (PNG) oncology nursing issues perceived through the nurses’ lens of unmet supportive care needs of people affected by cancer and to identify nurses’ self-perceived educational priorities in cancer care. Second, to evaluate the tailored bidirectional learning and knowledge transfer among the participants of the Australia Capital Territory Health and PNG Oncology Nursing Development Program hosted in Australia in June 2023.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Two focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Based on PNG oncology nurses’ experiences and self-assessed educational needs, the findings were analyzed and presented separately for Time 1 before the PNG Oncology Nursing Development program and Time 2 following the completion of the program.

Results

The findings from the Time 1 focus group identified four themes: (1) educational priorities, (2) system-wide challenges, (3) patient unmet care needs, and (4) cultural beliefs. After the completion of the educational program, there were four emergent themes: (1) new educational experiences, (2) learnings into practice, (3) culturally sensitive nursing, and (4) leadership (PNG nursing trailblazers). This study, for the first time, provided the PNG RNs with a “voice,” to empower them to take more leading roles in important decision-making regarding care structures and management.

Conclusion

Policymakers, government officials, and international cancer organizations must continue to work together to support cancer control in PNG in light of the current and projected limited resources and barriers to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment in PNG.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Through observing and learning from a modern cancer department, PNG oncology nurses have gained insight into what is needed for a safe cancer service for both patients and nurses. Oncology nursing education in PNG needs to be further developed, enhanced, and supported for sustainability of cancer nurses in the long term.