The role of the American Association for Cancer Education in pediatric oncology: results of a survey.
We designed a questionnaire to elucidate the reasons for decreased participation in activities of the American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) by 34 members who listed pediatric oncology as their primary or secondary medical interest. Nineteen members from 16 institutions, 14 of them university hospitals, returned the form. These institutions treated an average of 89 new childhood cancer patients per year and educated an average of 89 trainees per year in aspects of pediatric oncology. All respondents believed that the AACE should meet in tandem with another national convocation, and most thought that the AACE meeting was reasonably priced but expensive of time. Many indicated that they would participate more actively in the AACE if they, or their institution, had an active R25 Cancer Education Grant from the National Cancer Institute. The majority believed that the AACE should be more active in educational efforts about childhood cancer (71%), should conduct a manpower survey to ascertain the need for training fellows in pediatric oncology (77%), and should prepare educational materials on childhood cancer (65%). However, less than one-half (41%) believed that the AACE has a readily identified role in pediatric oncology education. Greater communication between the AACE and the pediatric oncology community is needed, especially in coordinating and evaluating pediatric oncology education in the United States.
Division of Pediatric Hematology, University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville 22908.
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D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States