Collaborative digital platform France – Cuba: oncorehabilitation in reproductive and sexual health

Abstract

Background

In the French West-Indies, few studies have been performed on fertility and sexual problems in cancer survivors, which are frequent and recurring issues reported by surveys on unmet needs. Additionally, mutualizing human and material resources and promoting cooperation through a collaborative platform are the most appropriate response to complex health pathways in the Caribbean territories. Implementation of such a collaborative platform will help to launch a strategic Caribbean partnership to transfer theoretical and technical skills and care standards in oncofertility and oncosexuality.

Methods

We propose to set up a collaborative digital platform to strengthen, from the French expertise, Cuban health professionals’ knowledge, know-how, and skills in oncofertility and oncosexuality. The project will be coordinated by a coordinating, scientific, and supervisory committee, and the main activities will include:

1. Theoretical training in e-learning adapted to low-speed Internet.

2. Practical training in fertility preservation and sexual rehabilitation.

3. Digital multidisciplinary consultation meetings for medical decisions to be taken for complex clinical cases.

The platform will benefit from a recurrent evaluation, by the two cancer registries of Martinique and Cuba, with the following performance indicators: number of Cuban professionals trained, number of professionals sensitized , hourly volumes (or number of training courses provided) , satisfaction of trained professionals , number of e-RCPs carried out online and number of missionaries supported. These indicators will be set up and analyzed by the registers.

This project meets the Cuban and French health policies (cancer plans and national sexual health strategies) and will be implemented in liaison with the Health Agencies of both countries and the Embassy of France in Cuba.

Discussion

This project aims to provide support through bilateral exchanges to improve reproductive and sexual health in Cuba’s cancer patients. This collaboration will be based on a long-lasting French expertise and a solid Cuban health system. Consequently, this collaborative digital platform will contribute to data collection for cancer surveillance, and the two participating countries will ultimately be identified in the Caribbean as having centers of competence and excellence in oncofertility and oncosexuality with care standards.