Where We Work: Dominican Republic

• City: Santiago
• Type of program: Education and Capacity Building (Twinning)
• Partners:
  1. Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit (UHOP) at Hospital Infantil Regional Universitario Dr. Arturo Grullon (HIRUAG)
  2. “Voluntariado Jesus con los Niños” (VJCN) Foundation

Program: Improving Delivery of Pediatric Cancer Care and Outcomes in Santiago

• Start date: 2011

Since 2011, we have been working with the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit (UHOP) at Hospital Infantil Regional Universitario Dr. Arturo Grullon (HIRUAG) on providing expert consult services for patient care and providing technical support for improving delivery of care to match international standards.

Given the limited subspecialty training opportunities for nurses in the Dominican Republic, we have focused on developing skills, processes, and educational curricula regarding chemotherapy safety, supportive care, pain and palliative care for nurses working at UHOP and HIRUAG. By collaborating closely with both UHOP and Voluntariado Jesus con los Niños, we also foster opportunities for the ongoing education and professional development of pediatric oncology clinicians, nurses and ancillary staff. We support their participation at regional and international meetings and mentor them in specific projects and presentations. The ultimate goal is to develop new models for pediatric cancer care at a national level in the Dominican Republic.

The nursing team at UHOP is committed to improving patient care and fostering professional nursing practice on her unit. Progress has been made in key areas, such as chemotherapy safety, pain assessment, safe procedures and reduction of infections.

Learn more about where the Global Health Initiative works.