Pediatric Oncology Nursing Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Exemplars from Three Regions

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This study examined the status of pediatric oncology nursing research in three low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as examples across three World Health Organization regions: East Africa, Eastern Mediterranean region, and Latin America.

Data sources: Published literature was identified from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scielo, Virtual Health Library, and reference lists of some articles.

Conclusion: The experiences of the three LMIC pediatric oncology nurses illustrate the situation of nurse research in their setting and identify relevant published literature. The authors highlight the challenges for nurses to conduct research (eg, lack of training, mentors, funding, and opportunities). Local evidence to inform nursing practice in LMICs is needed. Recommendations for ameliorating the situation include increased advanced practice nurse education, physician and hospital support, funding, and protected time.

Implications for nursing practice: Pediatric oncology nursing practice is culturally and context-driven and requires locally acquired evidence to support best practices. Only when sufficient, sustainable, and local nursing research training and education is available in LMICs, will this evidence be generated. Nursing research training (eg, master's and PhD programs), funding, and protected time are three key steps to guide and motivate staff nurses as well as academic nurses to participate in research that informs the care of children and adolescents with cancer across all countries and not only those with significant resources.

Keywords: Childhood cancer; LMIC; Nursing; Pediatric oncology; Research.

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