Assessing educational needs of sickle cell anemia healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22086136 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Teresa S Latham (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, corresponding author), Russell E Ware (0000-0001-9582-0594, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center), Lisa Marie Shook (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1693285-1693285 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-18 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1693285 |
| PMID | 41487641 |
| OpenAlex | W7115946336 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 25 |
Objectives: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) causes childhood morbidity and mortality in resource-limited settings. Identifying educational needs of healthcare providers allows implementation of targeted programs using evidence-based methods. Methods: Qualitative data using semi-structured online interviews and surveys were collected from sites across eight countries. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for thematic analysis. Results: Eighteen healthcare providers (50% female) from six countries in Africa and the Caribbean were recruited. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) few training opportunities; (2) personal payment for training; (3) busy clinic schedules, so training must occur on personal time; and (4) travel constraints for attending conferences. All participants requested virtual telementoring for continuing education and emphasized an interactive format. Conclusion: This needs assessment highlights the opportunity to implement telementoring educational programs, such as Project ECHO©, to increase knowledge among multidisciplinary healthcare providers treating children with SCA in resource-limited settings. Providers demonstrated a high level of interest and engagement in education delivered through established North-South partnerships. Telementoring offers an opportunity for capacity building, supporting evidence-based treatment and improving access to knowledgeable providers, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes
Health care · MEDLINE · Multidisciplinary approach · Needs assessment · Patient education · Sickle cell anemia · Global Health and Surgery · Global Maternal and Child Health · Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders
| Highly cited | No |
|---|