The Caribbean Community Clinical Oncology Workforce: Analyzing Where We Are Today and Projecting for Tomorrow

Abstract

Purpose To analyze the current physician clinical oncological workforce within the CARICOM full member states with an aim to make recommendations for building capacity. MethodsA questionnaire was prepared and emailed to professionals working in oncology in 14 CARICOM full member countries. It was designed to identify the number of specialists providing hematology, medical oncology, and radiotherapy services. Results Ten countries (71.4%) supplied information. Oncology services were insufficient in the majority of countries. Hematology proved to be the most adequately staffed with six countries (60%) having the recommended number of specialists. Medical oncology services were deficient in five countries (50%). Radiation oncology services were the most limited with nine countries (90%) unable to provide the required quota of specialists. The majority of the workforce consisted of nonnationals (55%). The remaining practitioners were nationals, and of these 50% were regionally trained. Oncological care was primarily offered within the public sector. Conclusion Oncological staffing within the CARICOM full member states is insufficient to meet the demands of the current population. Encouraging training through locoregional or international programs is key to obtaining the numbers required. Cancer registries will help provide data to influence public policy and improve the oncological healthcare system.

Perspective: The COVID-19 Pandemic: Closing Borders, Opening Doors, and Breaking Ground on the Potential for Clinical Trial Access in Developing Countries Like Trinidad and Tobago

“…For example, with a population of 1.3 million inhabitants, Trinidad and Tobago has only 10 trained medical oncologists. 13 With limited resources and time, an investigator at Trinidad and Tobago would need to agree to spearhead the process to get the trial approved in a country also coping with the pandemic and provide the additional time needed to treat the patient on a study. Finally, the shipments of the investigational agent had to be approved by the NCI CTEP and the pharmaceutical collaborator, as well as customs in a country for which clinical trials are rare and cancer clinical trial participation with an investigational agent had never occurred.…”