FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICART, and the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, yesterday, trained healthcare workers on the techniques of delivering devastating news to a patient, especially cancer patient(s) or their relative(s) without causing more harm.
Speaking at the training programme in Benin, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate said NICART had initiated various strategies aimed at reducing all forms of cancer in Nigeria.
He said one of such strategies is to organise training and retraining for healthcare workers on various aspects of cancer care, prevention, treatment and control.
Professor Pate, represented by a radiologist, Dr Vivian Nwordu, said the psycho-oncology training workshop on ‘Handling Bad News’ in the health sector is timely as it will enable them know how to handle such a situation whenever it arises.
“The theme of this training, ‘Psycho-oncology,’ is not only apt, but timely considering the level of trauma suffered by cancer patients in many health facilities in Nigeria.
“This training is aimed at equipping health workers with the needed knowledge to provide solutions to such incidents.
“Today’s event is a testament of our resolve at the institute to empower health workers at all levels of care with the requisite techniques to provide psychosocial support to cancer patients as a palliative in the management of the disease.
“Let me also reiterate NICART’s commitment to fight all forms of cancer through massive awareness on preventive strategies, training of health workers and providing the needed care to those who are already affected,” Pate said.
He reiterated that NICART believes strongly that training and retraining of health workers remains a good investment in healthcare service delivery at all levels.
The minister maintained that they would continue to replicate it at every given opportunity, stressing that they are optimistic that the experts present will speak on various aspects of cancer.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Psychological impact of bad news on patients,’ Dr Eriba Lucy, an oncologist-radiation specialist at UBTH, said bad news is what nobody wants to hear because it has negative impact on the patient if not well passed.
She said with the training, they were able to let them know how they can pass this news to patients and their relations without having any adverse effect on them.
