Work

Equitable communication for pediatric cancer patients and families who speak languages other than English

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: communication, cultural humility, disparities, equity, language, languages other than English Per 2022 United States Census Bureau (U.S. CB) data, more than one in five Americans speak languages other than English (LOE) at home, representing a population of greater than 69 million people.Of these, 26.5 million people self-report speaking English less than "very well," constituting a vulnerable population of one in 12 Americans who may struggle to understand or communicate their needs in English.Children with cancer and their families who speak LOE receive disparate care, 1-7 necessitating resources, supportive services, and targeted strategies to eliminate gaps.A study investigating the informed consent practices of oncologists enrolling children with leukemia on a Children's Cancer Group trial found key information was often omitted during discussions with parents who spoke LOE and that these parents had a significantly decreased understanding of key aspects of informed consent compared with English-speaking parents. 1 Subsequent research shows that pediatric cancer patients whose parents speak LOE continue to be significantly underrepresented in pediatric cancer clinical trials, 2 and Abbreviations: CLAS, Culturally and linguistically appropriate services

Source: Pediatric Blood & Cancer

DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30828

Authors: Melanie Stall, Julie N. Germann, Martin Orta, Naomi Winick, Erica C. Kaye

Institutions: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Children's Medical Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,330