Abstract 823: Parent-endorsed potential interventions to improve language disparities in pediatric cancer
Authors: Melanie Stall, Naomi Winick, Erica Kaye
Journal: Cancer Research (2024)

Abstract Introduction: Children with cancer whose parents speak languages other than English (LOE) experience disparities including underrepresentation on clinical trials, decreased access to resources and inadequate interpretative services. Few studies in pediatric oncology have investigated the communication experiences of families who speak LOE, and rarely have studies sought parental recommendations for improvement. In this study, we aimed to characterize the experiences of parents of children with cancer who speak LOE and identify stakeholder-driven interventions to improve deficiencies. Methods: We enrolled parents of children with cancer who spoke any LOE and conducted semi-structured interviews about perceptions of medical care, communication and support from the medical team within 3 months of a new cancer diagnosis and 6-12 months post-diagnosis. Inductive content analysis was performed, with iterative transcript review and memo-writing informing the development of codes. Code frequency, temporal duration and distribution across language subtype were calculated and reported as descriptive statistics. Analysis was organized in MAXQDA, a mixed-methods data analysis software. Results: Twenty-eight parents, representing 7 different languages, were enrolled. All parents completed first interviews and 14 have completed second interviews to date. Parents described frequent problems with interpretation and felt their child’s care would be improved if they spoke English. Parents made suggestions on how to improve their experience and understanding of their child’s medical care (Table 1). Conclusion: Challenges related to language interpretation are pervasive and parents who speak LOE believe their child’s cancer care would be improved if they spoke English. Parents identified preferred communication practices and specific interventions that may be useful in promoting understanding of their child’s medical care and overall enhance supportive resources. Parent-endorsed communication practices and potential interventions to improve language disparities Preferred communication practices Use simple terms Limit conversations between providers when no interpreter present Speak to English and non-English speakers equally Always automatically use professional interpreters Take your time Repeat Demonstrate Rephrase Use drawings Point Ask for preferred language Be specific and detailed Speak slowly Use short phrases Allow time for interpretation Requested resources in preferred language Educational videos Written educational materials Translated hospital documents List of supportive resources List of financial resources List of reliable websites Language matched parent buddy support system Side by side instructions in English and preferred language System-level changes Increased in-person interpreter staffing Staff education on approach to LOE encounters Patient advocate to review medications and check labels Interpreter use at all points of contact Provision of language concordant providers Citation Format: Melanie Stall, Naomi Winick, Erica Kaye. Parent-endorsed potential interventions to improve language disparities in pediatric cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 823.