title: Disparities in pediatric oncology patient education and linguistic resources: results of a national survey of pediatric oncologists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extensive patient and family education is required at the time of a new diagnosis of pediatric cancer yet little data exist regarding the availability and linguistic competency of new cancer diagnosis education provided by pediatric oncology institutions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) membership list, a web-based survey was conducted among a cohort of pediatric oncologists to determine pediatric oncologists' assessment of institutional resources for new cancer diagnosis education and the availability of linguistically appropriate education.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 1,294 ASPHO members sent email survey invitations, 573 (44.3%) responded with 429 meeting eligibility criteria. Oncologists at academic institutions reported their institutions had more availability of resources for new diagnosis education compared with those from non-academic institutions (mean 78.6 vs. 74.3; 0 [not at all]-100 [well equipped]; P = 0.05). The mean score increased with volume of new cancer diagnoses/year: small (<75) = 73.4; medium (75-149) = 76.7; large (>150) = 84.5 (P < 0.001). Oncologists at large volume institutions reported more availability of an established patient education protocol (50.8% vs. 38.1%, P < 0.001) and increased use of dedicated non-physician staff (79.9% vs. 66.1%, P = 0.02), but less use of websites for patient education (17.2% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.001). Availability of linguistically appropriate education improved with increasing institution size: small (76.4), medium (82.3), and large (84.0) patient volume (P < 0.011).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to pediatric oncologists, a disparity in educational and linguistic resources for new pediatric cancer diagnosis education exists depending on institution type and size.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
authors.forename: Jeremy S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Slone
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Self
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heiman
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006295:Health Resources; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008037:Linguistics; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010372:Pediatrics; D011379:Prognosis
keywords: language competency; new cancer diagnosis; patient education; psychosocial