Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network : Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP)

CITATION: Odiaka, E. 2018. Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network : Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP). Journal of Global Oncology, 4:1-12, doi:10.1200/JGO.18.00062.The original publication is available at https://ascopubs.orgPurpose Health research in low- and middle-income countries can generate novel scientific knowledge and improve clinical care, fostering population health improvements to prevent premature death. Project management is a critical part of the success of this research, applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to accomplish required goals. Here, we describe the development and implementation of tools to support a multifaceted study of prostate cancer in Africa, focusing on building strategic and operational capacity. Methods Applying a learning organizational framework, we developed and implemented a project management toolkit (PMT) that includes a management process flowchart, a cyclical centerspecific schedule of activities, periodic reporting and communication, and center-specific monitoring and evaluation metrics. Results The PMT was successfully deployed during year one of the project with effective component implementation occurring through periodic cycles of dissemination and feedback to local center project managers. A specific evaluation was conducted 1 year after study initiation to obtain enrollment data, evaluate individual quality control management plans, and undertake risk log assessments and follow-up. Pilot data obtained identified areas in which centers required mentoring, strengthening, and capacity development. Strategies were implemented to improve project goals and operational capacity through local problem solving, conducting quality control checks and following compliancy with study aims. Moving forward, centers will perform quarterly evaluations and initiate strengthening measures as required. Conclusion The PMT has fostered the development of both strategic and operational capacity across project centers. Investment in project management resources is essential to ensuring high-quality, impactful health research in low- and middle-income countries.https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JGO.18.00062Publisher's versio

Treatments for breast abscesses in breastfeeding women

CITATION: Irusen, P. H. et al. 2015. Treatments for breast abscesses in breastfeeding women. Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, 8: Art. No.: CD010490, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010490.pub2.The original publication is available at https://www.cochranelibrary.comBackground: The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, and the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continuing breastfeeding to age two. However, many women stop breastfeeding due to lactational breast abscesses. A breast abscess is a localised accumulation of infected fluid in breast tissue. Abscesses are commonly treated with antibiotics, incision and drainage (I&D) or ultrasound-guided needle aspiration, but there is no consensus on the optimal treatment. Objectives: To assess the effects of different treatments for the management of breast abscesses in breastfeeding women.https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010490.pub2/fullPublisher's versio

COVID-19 Related Anxiety in Men With Localized Prostate Cancer at Tertiary Hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa

Introduction: The health profile of older adults places them at risk of infirmity and death from COVID-19 which may induce anxiety or exacerbate pre-existing anxiety. We examined COVID-19 related anxiety in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer (CaP). Method: This study was conducted between July and September 2020. Sixty participants from a larger prospective, longitudinal study assessing depression, anxiety and health related quality of life in men with localized prostate cancer (DAHCaP) were included. COVID-19 related anxiety was measured at a single time point using, the Corona Virus Anxiety Scale (CAS). In addition, the following, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), the Connor-Davidson Resilience (CD-RISC) scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) that form part of the DAHCaP study were used in the analysis. We extracted pre-pandemic data for the STAI-S. Results: Twenty-one percent had diabetes, 62.3% had hypertension and 24.6% had cardiac diseases, all known risk factors for severe COVID-19. Only 3% scored ≥9 on the CAS, indicating COVID 19 anxiety dysfunction. Half knew of family or friends that had contracted COVID-19 especially those scoring higher on the CAS ( P = 0.042). There was a significant decrease in STAI-S scores pre-pandemic to the pandemic phase (34.7 to 29.8, P = 0.003). No correlation was observed between CAS and STAI-S (rho = 0.08), CD-RISC (rho = −0.06) or MSPSS (rho = −0.15). There was a weak positive correlation between the CAS and monthly income (rho = 0.33; P = 0.010). Conclusion: COVID-19 did not induce significant anxiety in men being treated for CaP nor did it place an additional psychological burden, nor was there any correlation with state anxiety, resilience or social support