INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: Partnering with oncology nursing leaders in Latin America to deliver an education program on oral therapies in cancer

Global initiatives and partnerships among nurses between and across countries are important strategies to begin to address global inequities in cancer care (Sheldon, 2010). Cancer nurse leaders in Latin America, specifically Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, recently advocated for enhanced access to high-quality oral therapies (OT) nursing education and resources, as well as improved direct nursing care of people receiving OTs (Ayala de Calvo, 2010, 2014). Despite increasing numbers of cancer patients receiving OTs in those countries, few receive care by knowledgeable nurses who can effectively prevent and/or manage the associated toxicities and support patients to maintain adherence to the treatment plan (Barton, 2011; Schneider, Hess & Gosselin, 2011). This gap in OT nursing care may negatively impact patients' quality and length of life (CANO/ACIO, 2010; Neuss et al., 2013; Oakley, Crowe & Johnson, 2010; Weingart et al., 2011).