Abstract
Background: The screening of cervical cancer using the Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is cheaper and allows for early treatment and uptake of VIA in the country.
Purpose: To improve the quality of life of women of child-bearing age through early detection of and treatment of cervical cancer.
Methods: Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Model guided the project. A team of nurses, midwives, and rural health motivators (RHM) were involved in a quality improvement project that ran for 18 months. Fourteen (n=14) nurses were trained on VIA while 60 RHMs and 14 community leaders were sensitized to create awareness on VIA in their communities. The males in the communities were encouraged to support their partners. The women who responded were screened for cervical cancer. A tool for capturing data was developed by the team and has since been adapted at national level.
Impact: A total of 234 women aged 16-39 were enrolled in the project and 17% (n=42) had VIA positive results and 95% of these (n=40) received cryotherapy. The ninety -eight women aged above 40 had a pap smear done. VIA has now been integrated into maternal and child health services at the facility and partners continue support their partners to be screened for cervical cancer.
Mentee Impact: The mentee gained leadership skills and has learnt how to negotiate and work effectively in a team. The completion of the program has helped me believe in myself and realise that quality care begins with a shared vision.
Discussion: The screening and early detection of cervical cancer using VIA has seen women with suspected cancer cells referred for further management to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to cervical cancer. Leadership skills and collaboration between clinical staff and the community were strengthened. The next step involves the project team continuing and extensively involving the Sexual Reproductive Unit, extending to schools, surrounding clinics and other communities.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Maternal-Child Health, Nurse Leadership, Africa, Cervical Cancer
Recommended Citation
Shabangu, Ncamiso Patrick Melisizwe; Dlamini, Colile Pertunia; and Tagutanazvo, Oslinah Buru, "Escalating cervical cancer screening with visual inspection using acetic acid (VIA) among women of childbearing age" (2018). Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership - Africa. 2.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/mchnla/2017/presentations/2
Conference Name
Chi Xi at-Large Chapter First Biennial Conference Swaziland
Conference Host
Chi Xi at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Exulwini Valley, Lobamba, Swaziland
Conference Year
2017
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Faculty/Mentor Approved: Sigma Academy Participant Poster
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Escalating cervical cancer screening with visual inspection using acetic acid (VIA) among women of childbearing age
Exulwini Valley, Lobamba, Swaziland
Background: The screening of cervical cancer using the Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is cheaper and allows for early treatment and uptake of VIA in the country.
Purpose: To improve the quality of life of women of child-bearing age through early detection of and treatment of cervical cancer.
Methods: Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Model guided the project. A team of nurses, midwives, and rural health motivators (RHM) were involved in a quality improvement project that ran for 18 months. Fourteen (n=14) nurses were trained on VIA while 60 RHMs and 14 community leaders were sensitized to create awareness on VIA in their communities. The males in the communities were encouraged to support their partners. The women who responded were screened for cervical cancer. A tool for capturing data was developed by the team and has since been adapted at national level.
Impact: A total of 234 women aged 16-39 were enrolled in the project and 17% (n=42) had VIA positive results and 95% of these (n=40) received cryotherapy. The ninety -eight women aged above 40 had a pap smear done. VIA has now been integrated into maternal and child health services at the facility and partners continue support their partners to be screened for cervical cancer.
Mentee Impact: The mentee gained leadership skills and has learnt how to negotiate and work effectively in a team. The completion of the program has helped me believe in myself and realise that quality care begins with a shared vision.
Discussion: The screening and early detection of cervical cancer using VIA has seen women with suspected cancer cells referred for further management to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to cervical cancer. Leadership skills and collaboration between clinical staff and the community were strengthened. The next step involves the project team continuing and extensively involving the Sexual Reproductive Unit, extending to schools, surrounding clinics and other communities.
Description
This presentation is the summation of a project undertaken as part of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy (2016-2017 cohort).