Pediatric Oncology Chemotherapy Calendar Creation: A Nationwide Survey

Background: : An effective chemotherapy calendar system between the clinician and the patient/caregiver can improve patient centered outcomes. There is lack of research on how chemotherapy calendars are created and what aspects are important to pediatric oncology providers. Procedure : In an online survey of pediatric oncology providers, we evaluated institutional practices, perceptions of chemotherapy calendar creation, and desires for future tools. 220 survey participants provided data, with a 10.4% response rate. Results: : Participants indicated that 72% always or most of the time their institution provides a chemotherapy calendar, most commonly at the start of a new cycle (90%) or with a dosing change (68%). Factors such as the health literacy of the family, prior non-adherence, type of cancer, and desire of the family affected the creation decision. Advanced practice providers (45%) or nurse coordinator/navigators (43%) were most likely to create the calendar. No significant difference was found between the likelihood of creating a calendar and institutional size (p=0.09) or provider years in practice (p=0.26). About 95% of participants indicated chemotherapy calendar creation software that improved ease and efficiency would be moderately to extremely useful. Conclusion: : Future efforts should focus on patient and caregiver perspectives of chemotherapy calendar elements and utilization.