title: The current situation in education and training of health-care professionals across Africa to optimise the delivery of palliative care for cancer patients.
abstract: The need for palliative care education remains vital to contribute to the quality of life of patients, both adults and children, with cancer in Africa. The number of patients with cancer continues to rise, and with them the burden of palliative care needs. Palliative care has been present in Africa for nearly four decades, and a number of services are developing in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, the needs of cancer patients remain a challenge. Education and training initiatives have developed throughout this time, using a combination of educational methods, including, more recently, e-learning initiatives. The role of international and national organisations in supporting education has been pivotal in developing models of education and training that are robust, sustainable, and affordable. Developing a material for education and professional development needs to continue in close collaboration with that already in production in order to optimise available resources. Seeking ways to evaluate programmes in terms of their impact on patient care remains an important part of programme delivery. This article reviews the current situation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Medicine, Cardiff University, Velindre Hospital, Cardiff CF14 2TL, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: Fm
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rawlinson
authors.affiliation: Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa and Senior Lecturer, palliative medicine, University of Cape Town Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gwyther
authors.affiliation: African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Plot 95, Dr Gibbons Road, Makindye, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kiyange
authors.affiliation: African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Plot 95, Dr Gibbons Road, Makindye, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Luyirika
authors.affiliation: Sarah Fox Convalescent Hospital and PATCH-SA (SA Children's Palliative Care Network), Lecturer, palliative medicine, University of Cape Town Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meiring
authors.affiliation: Honorary Professor, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; International Palliative Care Consultant.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Downing
keywords: Africa; e-learning; education; outcome measurement; palliative care; policy; professional development