Perceptions of chemotherapy calendar creation among US pediatric oncologists

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 physicians.

In an online survey of pediatric oncology physicians, we evaluated institutional practices, perceptions of chemotherapy calendar creation, and desires for future tools. A total of 220 survey participants provided data (10.4% participant response rate) from 123 institutions (53.5% represented institutions).

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 nonadherence, 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 chemotherapy calendar. No significant difference was found between the likelihood of creating a chemotherapy calendar and institutional size (p = .09) or physician years in practice (p = .26). Approximately 95% of participants indicated chemotherapy calendar creation software that improved ease and efficiency would be moderately to extremely useful.

Future efforts should focus on co-design of an efficient and effective chemotherapy calendar by engaging with nursing and advanced practice providers along with caregivers of children with cancer.