Addressing knowledge gap among health professionals in postgraduate training program through educational intervention for early diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies

Abstract

Executive Summary:

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) Global Research Award 2022 funded this two-year, multi-phase educational intervention project implemented by Cancer Care Nepal from July 2022 to June 2025. The project aimed to address critical knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of hematological malignancies among postgraduate medical trainees in Nepal. Through a comprehensive approach combining baseline assessment, targeted educational interventions using the Project ECHO® model, and the development of a clinical decision support mobile application, the project successfully engaged over 150 Internal Medicine residents and faculty across 22 medical institutions nationwide.

Key achievements include:

• Gaps in hematology-oncology training were identified through a comprehensive assessment involving 256 respondents. • Implementation of bi-monthly virtual educational sessions via ZOOM using the Project ECHO® model • Multi-institutional collaboration and networking established to streamline approaches to hematological cases. • Sensitization of relevant authorities in Nepal on the need to integrate hematology training into internal medicine programs. • Preparation of academic publications for international dissemination The project has successfully laid the foundation for improved early diagnosis of hematological malignancies in Nepal by equipping future physicians with enhanced knowledge, practical skills, and decision-support tools tailored to the local context.