Advancing global childhood cancer care through nursing science

WATCH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/3_vw1h1ooT8

Spartan Nurse Podcast Highlights Researcher Dr. Courtney Sullivan’s Global Impact​​​​​​

Improving childhood cancer outcomes worldwide requires more than medical innovation, it requires strong, evidence-based nursing care. On the Spartan Nurse Podcast, Dr. Courtney Sullivan, an assistant professor at the Michigan State University College of Nursing, shared how her research is helping address global disparities in pediatric cancer survival as we approach International Childhood Cancer Day on Feb. 15.

Sullivan, a Spartan Nurse alumna whose work focuses on global pediatric oncology nursing quality, joined hosts Dr. Mike Martel and Dr. Crista Reaves to discuss the critical role nurses play in improving care delivery for children with cancer across diverse healthcare settings.

Addressing Global Disparities in Childhood Cancer

During the conversation, Sullivan highlighted a striking global reality. 

In high-income countries, childhood cancer survival rates often exceed 80 percent. In many low- and middle-income countries, survival may be closer to 30 percent, even though nearly 90 percent of children with cancer live in these settings. 

“We look at how we can ensure that each child receives the best quality of nursing care possible,” Sullivan explained. “Through measurement, we’re able to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.” 

Measuring What Matters in Nursing Care 

Sullivan’s research centers on developing nursing-sensitive quality indicators, standardized metrics designed to evaluate essential aspects of pediatric oncology nursing care, including: 

• Symptom assessment and management 
• Safe chemotherapy delivery 
• Infection prevention and control 
• Nurse staffing 
• Early recognition of patient deterioration 
• Patient and family discharge education
   

By establishing globally relevant benchmarks, her work aims to create consistency in nursing practice regardless of geographic location or resource level. 

“Having standard metrics across settings means we are striving for each child to receive the same standard of care,” Sullivan noted.

Global Collaboration Driving Systems-Level Change 

Sullivan also reflected on her involvement with the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which seeks to increase survival rates in low-resource countries from 30 percent to 60 percent. 

The initiative has helped elevate pediatric cancer as a national priority in countries around the world, influencing policy development, funding decisions, and workforce planning. 

Beyond clinical care, Sullivan’s work emphasizes upstream strategies that strengthen healthcare systems, including: 

• Nursing specialization and training 

• Workforce development 

• Safe practice environments 

• Nurse retention through burnout prevention and professional advancement
   

“Children with cancer need expert nurses to care for them,” Sullivan emphasized. “Specialization improves outcomes.” 

The Power of Mentorship 

As a Spartan Nurse alumna who has come full circle as faculty, Sullivan shared how mentorship shaped her career path. Encouraged early to pursue pediatric oncology nursing directly, she credits faculty guidance and clinical experiences with helping define her professional direction. 

“Think about your journey in segments,” Sullivan advised current students. “Each step along the way builds the knowledge and experience you’ll need for what comes next.” 

Nursing Leadership with Global Impact 

Sullivan’s work exemplifies the College of Nursing’s commitment to advancing healthcare through research, education, and global engagement. By strengthening nursing practice and measuring care quality, her research contributes to improving outcomes for children and families worldwide.

Listen to the Full Conversation

For the full interview and many more, please visit the Spartan Nurse Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@MSUCollegeofNursing/podcasts 

Watch the full video episode:
https://youtu.be/3_vw1h1ooT8

Listen to the full episode (audio-only):
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1962877/episodes/18674971

Published Feb. 13, 2026.