JICA held an online training on “Improving the Oncological Services for Cancer Patients” for Oncology Institute in Moldova

Moldova has been striving to strengthen its healthcare system. In a collaboration aimed at enhancing the provision of palliative care in Moldova, JICA, with esteemed professors from Nagasaki University Hospital, hosted a comprehensive online training on palliative care from 15 to 19 January for 16 doctors and nurses of the Moldovan Oncology Institute. Palliative care, which focuses on providing relief to cancer patients, plays a critical role in improving their quality of life. This training, as one of JICA’s technical cooperation projects in Moldova, served as an ideal platform for Moldovan doctors to enhance their knowledge and skills, ultimately fostering the delivery of advanced care practices in the country.

The training covered an extensive range of palliative care topics, ensuring Moldovan medical professionals received a holistic understanding of the practical knowledge. The curriculum included subjects such as: (i) introduction of palliative care based on Japan’s experience, including aspects such as prevention, countermeasures, human resource development, and the system of compensations and payment; (ii) cancer pain management, including, main principals, specifics of assisting cancer patients in their struggles with associated pains, medication and anesthesia and their side effects; (iii) psychological care for cancer patients, including, principles of psycho-oncology, total pain, medication and its adverse effects, care for family members, particularly children; (iv) cancer treatment support, including public awareness-raising and avoidance of medication abuse; and (v) lymphoedema management, including the treatment and daily care of lymphoedema and prevention of complications.

The participants actively raised various practical questions to the lecturers from Nagasaki University Hospital based on their experiences and challenges that they are facing in Moldova, followed by professional discussions which enabled the useful exchanges of knowledge and experiences on both sides.

During the final day of the training, Moldovan participants showcased their dedication and determination by presenting their action plans on how to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to address various pressing issues in their respective workplaces.

The presentations focused on diverse issues: the rehabilitation of oncology patients, challenges related to caring for bedridden patients and those with mental and behavioral problems, specific needs of patients with stomas, child patients. The participants also shared proposed strategies to handle such issues with concrete timeline.

One of the most pressing issues highlighted in the presentations was the professional burnout experienced by doctors, particularly those working in the pediatric department. Participants shared their concerns and proposed strategies to address this issue, emphasizing the importance of self-care, support networks, and professional development opportunities.

Succeeding the fruitful results, training on the effective management of tumor board would be held in Japan in March 2024. JICA expects it would realize further capacity enhancement and resilience of Moldovan Oncology Institute.