Strategies to Decentralize Breast Ultrasound in Rwanda

Launched by BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · Jan 31, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Strategies to Decentralize Breast Ultrasound in Rwanda," is focused on improving the early detection of breast cancer in Rwanda. Early diagnosis is crucial as it can help save lives by catching cancer before it becomes more serious. The trial will explore two different ways to train healthcare providers, who are not radiologists, to perform breast ultrasound tests in rural district hospitals. This is important because currently, most breast ultrasounds are only available in larger hospitals located in cities. By training local clinicians, more people in rural areas can access this important screening tool.

To be eligible to participate in this trial, hospitals must be district hospitals in Rwanda that are already involved in a program for early detection of women’s cancers. This program helps train healthcare workers to spot early signs of breast and cervical cancer. However, hospitals that already provide routine breast ultrasound services will not be included in this study. Participants can expect to help evaluate the effectiveness of these training strategies, which could ultimately lead to better healthcare access for women in their communities. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to make a significant impact on breast cancer detection in Rwanda.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Enrollment in this cluster randomized clinical trial will occur at the health facility level.
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. District hospital in Rwanda;
• • 2. Already implementing the Women's Cancer Early Detection Program in their districts (i.e. clinicians in health centers and hospitals in the district have received the nationally-sponsored trainings in breast cancer early detection and cervical cancer screening);
• • 3. Already using the WCEDP electronic medical record in health centers and the district hospital, or prepared to start using it.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Already providing routine breast ultrasound in the district hospital.