Development of a training programme to enhance cervical cancer screening in Limpopo Province

Abstract

High inadequacy rates have significant associated opportunity cost, as women need to be rescreened in the event of inadequate specimen. Therefore, evaluation of specimen adequacy is the most important aspect of the quality assurance component and precise diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to develop a training programme to strengthen cervical cancer screening programme in Limpopo Province. The population of the study were health care professional’s age between 35-60 years both gender. A mixed-method sequential design was used in this study. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase one was a situational analysis, followed by the development of a training program in phase two, and the d validation of the developed programme in phase three. In phase 1a a qualitative exploratory, descriptive design was used and the quantitative approach followed a descriptive, analytic survey design. After obtaining the permission from the department of health, the researcher phoned the selected clinics securing the appointment with operational managers, senior health care professionals and health care professionals to meet the selected participants. Qualitative data were collected from professional nurses using a semi-structured face-to-face interview using an interview guide. The quantitative data were collected from operational nurse managers and senior nurse managers through a self-administered questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed using Tesch’s open coding method while quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The findings were merged using a joint display to determine the extent to which the two data confirm, contradict, or expand. The study revealed that structural factors such as lack of space and material resources and human resource factors such as attitudes and lack of competence contributed to inadequacy rate and failure to reach the set targets. A training programme was developed based on the findings, theoretical framework and SAQA guidelines. Validation was done with the aid of the Delphi technique in reaching consensus of the developed training programme by expert panelist of health professionals. The study recommends that health care professionals should maintain good standards of practice, and these can be achieved through competency training.