The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has organized a three-day capacity-building workshop to train health workers in the North West zone of Nigeria on communication skills, particularly in the context of cancer care.
The workshop, held at the Doctors’ Quarters in the Bafarawa estate area of Sokoto metropolis, aimed to enhance the relationship between medical doctors and their patients, especially those affected by cancer. Prof Usman Aliyu, the Director General of NICRAT, emphasized the importance of this training through his representative, Dr. Sani Muhammed.
According to Dr. Muhammed, the theme of the training, ‘Psycho Oncology’, is crucial and timely, reflecting NICRAT’s commitment to empowering health workers with the necessary techniques for cancer prevention, treatment, and control. The training is part of NICRAT’s broader strategy to reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria through massive awareness creation, training of health workers, and providing care to affected patients.
The Chief Medical Director of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Anas Sabir, represented by Professor Usman Sani, highlighted the significance of proper communication skills between doctors and patients. He stressed that effective communication can stabilize patients and give them hope.
Dr. Sani Abubakar, the Coordinator of the workshop, emphasized that poor communication can lead to emotional or psychological effects on patients, potentially resulting in untimely deaths. He expressed confidence that the workshop would equip health workers with better skills for healthy conversations with patients.
