Authors: Alex Daniels, Dilnasheen Safdar, Rehana Punjawani
Introduction
The 8th International Pakistan Society of Paediatric Oncology Conference (PSPOCON 2026) took place on 6–7 February 2026 at the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS), The Children’s Hospital, Lahore. The conference titled “Targeting Tomorrow: Collaborative Advances in Paediatric Haematology Oncology Care” was a platform for clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals to share cutting-edge knowledge and strengthen collaborative cancer care strategies nationwide. A pre-conference paediatric palliative care workshop was held, and talks in the main conference program addressed palliative and supportive care.
As part of the extended program, a Nursing Workshop was held on 8 February 2026, focusing specifically on enhancing oncology nursing practice, a vital component of patient-centred paediatric cancer care. The workshop, Pediatric Oncology Nursing Workshop: “We are standing with our patients: Prioritising Oncology Nursing Care”, was designed to empower nursing professionals with updated clinical knowledge, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of holistic oncology and palliative care nursing within paediatric settings.
Dilnasheen Safdar and Dr. Mahwish Faizan organised the workshop. The workshop was attended by 102 nurses representing leading healthcare institutions across Pakistan, including Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Peshawar. The session was chaired by Dilnasheen Safdar, with co-chairs Amtul Inayat, Rabia, Amina Noureen, and Sajida (Head Nurse), and moderation was conducted by Amina Hanif and Sumaira George.
The workshop was designed with the following key objectives:
1. Enhancing clinical competencies in paediatric oncology nursing, with emphasis on evidence-based practice, adherence to safety protocols of cytotoxic drugs, handling of central venous access, and nutritional requirements for cancer patients.
2. Promoting patient-centred care approaches that uphold dignity, empathy, and psychosocial support for children undergoing cancer treatment, including strategies to support patients and families throughout palliative and supportive care.
3. Strengthening communication skills between nurses, patients, and families to foster trust, improve therapeutic relationships, and support adherence to complex treatment plans.
4. Facilitating professional networking and knowledge exchange among nursing practitioners, educators, and leaders, enabling collaborative learning and the dissemination of best practices in both oncology and palliative nursing care.
Key Themes and Sessions
In the first session on Pediatric Early Warning Scores (PEWS), Amina Shazadi highlighted the pivotal role of nurses in the early recognition of clinical deterioration in children with cancer focused on the components of PEWS and its importance.
Rehana Punjawani, an accomplished paediatric oncology nurse, delivered an inspiring and insightful presentation on “Oncology Nursing Super Specialty”, motivating participants to explore this specialized field. She highlighted the pressing need for expertise in paediatric oncology nursing, noting that over 9,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Pakistan each year.
In an informative session on Handling of Central Venous Access for Oncology, Sara Saeed provided a practical, comprehensive session on the safe management of central lines, including PICCs, tunnelled catheters, and implanted ports. She emphasized sterile technique, proper insertion assistance, line maintenance, and flushing protocols to ensure device patency and prevent infection.
Alex Daniels highlighted the pivotal role nurses play in integrating a palliative care approach to the care of children with cancer. She reinforced the nurse’s role in providing comfort, symptom relief, and quality-of-life interventions for children with advanced disease or treatment-related discomfort.
In an enlightening session on ‘Safe handling of cytotoxic drugs’, Dilnasheen Safdar emphasised the importance of nurses adhering strictly to institutional policies and safety guidelines during preparation, administration, and disposal, including the correct use of chemotherapy-tested personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe drug handling techniques.
The communication session explored key principles of compassionate communication and, through role play, allowed participants to explore strategies for effective nurse–parent interactions, highlighting their importance within holistic paediatric oncology care. It emphasized that compassion is a skill that can be developed and deepened, and that being fully present with a child and their family is often one of the most impactful elements of care.
In the last session for the day, “Nutritional requirements for cancer patients”, Brig Shaheen Butt highlighted that children with cancer have unique and often fluctuating nutritional needs due to the disease and its treatment. The session also emphasized managing treatment-related side effects such as nausea, mucositis, and taste changes, and working closely with families to provide practical, culturally appropriate guidance that supports optimal outcomes and quality of life.
Impact and Outcomes
Participants acquired practical strategies and structured frameworks aimed at enhancing the standard of nursing care within paediatric oncology settings. The workshop also fostered meaningful professional connections, encouraging knowledge sharing and promoting collaborative partnerships across institutions. Importantly, the sessions highlighted the integral role of nurses, not only in delivering clinical interventions but also in patient advocacy, family education, and the integration of palliative care for children and their families.
Conclusion
The Nursing Workshop held during the International Pakistan Oncology Conference 2026 represented a valuable academic and professional development initiative for paediatric oncology nurses. It enhanced clinical competence while reinforcing the principles of empathy, communication, and holistic care.
By integrating evidence-based practice with compassionate service delivery, the workshop contributed meaningfully to the advancement of paediatric oncology and palliative care services in Pakistan. Its focus on quality improvement and interdisciplinary collaboration supports national efforts to improve outcomes for children with cancer and aligns with internationally recognized standards of oncology nursing practice.
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