Nursing without borders: culturally tailoring a US SCD nursing excellence train-the-trainer bootcamp model for nurses in Nigeria and across Africa

Abstract Objectives To address the lack of structured sickle cell disease (SCD) training and missed opportunities for early identification, intervention, and improved patient outcomes in resource limited settings, the U.S. based SCD Nursing Excellence Train-the-Trainer Bootcamp was adapted and delivered to nurses in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods Adaptation of the U.S. based SCD Bootcamp curriculum and assessments was facilitated through an embedded mixed methods design. Nurses across Africa were competitively selected. All participants received accommodations and meals; Nigerian nurses were reimbursed for transportation costs. Eight SCD nurse experts, with local nurses’ input adapted the U.S. bootcamp curriculum and developed 20 items for pre- and post-test knowledge assessment. Self-efficacy was assessed using the Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Self-Efficacy Scale. The bootcamp included SCD related complications and associated nursing management. Wilcoxon ranked sum test and paired sample t test were used to establish change in knowledge and self-efficacy, respectively. Alpha level of 0.05 was used for all statistical tests. Results The Nigerian bootcamp was successfully held from May 30 to June 1, 2025, with 35 nurses attending from six regions of Nigeria (30), Ghana (1), Sierra Leone (3), and Tanzania (1). The mean number of knowledge questions answered correctly at baseline was 15.8 and 18.1 post bootcamp; mean difference (95% CI) 2.26 (1.3, 3.2), P = .00004. Baseline self-efficacy was 78.4% and 87.6% post bootcamp [t(34) = −3.47, P = .00144]. Conclusion The SCD Nursing Excellence Train-the-Trainer Bootcamp was effectively adapted to a low-resource setting through intentional collaboration and local engagement.