Improving the Pediatric Patient Experience During Radiation Therapy-A Children's Oncology Group Study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Treatment with radiation therapy (RT) can cause anxiety and distress for pediatric patients and their families. Radiation oncology teams have developed strategies to reduce the negative psychological impact. This survey study aimed to characterize these methods.

Methods and materials

A 37-item questionnaire was sent to all radiation oncology members of the Children's Oncology Group to explore strategies to improve the pediatric patient experience. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to assess factors associated with use of anesthesia for older children.

Results

Surveys were completed by 106 individuals from 84/210 institutions (40%). Respondents included 89 radiation oncologists and 17 supportive staff. Sixty-one percent of centers treated ≤50 children per yea

SUBMITTER: Holt DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9092316 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature