Researchers promote evidence-based cancer pain management in Fiji

Cancer patients often experience significant pain that affects their quality of life, says Australian-based researchers Professor Ritin Fernandez and Associate Professor Kate Kynoch.

During a four-day JBI comprehensive systematic review training programme at Sangam College of Nursing in Labasa, participants were told that strengthening clinicians’ knowledge and research skills would support better pain assessment, management strategies and patient-centred care.

Participants included clinicians, nurses, nurse educators and academics from Labasa Hospital and Sangam College of Nursing.

The researchers are in Fiji collaborating with Sangam College of Nursing and Labasa Hospital to strengthen evidence-based healthcare research capacity.

“The project we are conducting in Fiji is the JBI comprehensive systematic review training programme focused on building capacity in evidence-based practice among clinicians and academics,” Professor Fernandez said.

“This project is also the first step of a larger collaborative initiative aimed at improving pain management among cancer patients in Labasa through evidence-based healthcare approaches and research-informed clinical practice.”

Professor Fernandez said the programme aimed to strengthen research skills in systematic reviews and evidence-based practice among clinicians and academics from Labasa Hospital and Sangam College of Nursing.

She said evidence-based practice was essential in healthcare because it helped clinicians and educators make informed decisions using the best available scientific evidence and clinical expertise to meet patient needs.

“This helps improve patient safety, healthcare quality, consistency of care and health outcomes for communities,” she said.

“Through this training, participants learned how to critically appraise research, conduct systematic reviews and translate evidence into clinical practice and healthcare education.”

Associate Professor Kynoch said the project demonstrated the strong commitment of Fiji’s healthcare and nursing leaders, including Eleni Kata, to strengthening research capacity and improving healthcare outcomes across the country.

“Their leadership and support highlight the importance Fiji places on advancing evidence-based healthcare, professional development and better patient care outcomes for the people of Fiji,” she said.

“This research and training are important because evidence-based practice helps ensure healthcare decisions are informed by the best available scientific evidence.”

Associate Professor Kynoch said building local research and systematic review capacity would help clinicians and academics improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare quality and contribute locally relevant research addressing community health needs in Fiji.

She said the project was particularly important because it laid the foundation for future evidence-based initiatives focused on improving cancer pain management in Labasa.

“Building local expertise in evidence-based practice empowers healthcare professionals in Fiji to develop sustainable solutions to healthcare challenges within their own communities,” she said.

Professor Fernandez is from the University of Newcastle and the JBI Centre for Transformative Nursing and Midwifery.

Associate Professor Kynoch is from Queensland University of Technology, Mater Health and the JBI Queensland Centre for Evidence-Based Health Innovation.