EPID-10. Creation, use, and effectiveness of a primary provider education tool for timely pediatric CNS tumor diagnosis based on HeadSmart. (3rd June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pacheco, Daniel; Fraley, Claire; Walker, David; Green, Adam
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology. Volume 24(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: i48
• Page End: i48
• Publication Date: 2022-06-03
• Subjects: Brain Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Brain -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Brain -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac079.178
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-8517

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients of minority race and ethnicity and lower socioeconomic status experience poorer survival of pediatric CNS tumors in the US. These disparities arise in part from differences in stage of disease at diagnosis, suggesting they could be mitigated by earlier diagnosis. HeadSmart is a campaign in the UK to increase awareness of pediatric CNS tumor symptoms among primary care practitioners and the public that has led to a significant decrease in time to diagnosis. METHODS: We created a 30-minute workshop, based on HeadSmart, to educate primary care providers on the presentation, common symptoms, work-up, and diagnosis of pediatric CNS tumors. We publicized the workshop throughout Colorado and delivered it via live webinar or online video recording. We collected demographic, specialty, and practice setting data from participants via optional survey. Participants could also take a 10-question, multiple-choice assessment of their knowledge on pediatric CNS tumor symptoms, work-up, and diagnosis before and after the workshop. RESULTS: We have now delivered the workshop to more than 400 providers in Colorado and the US. 39 providers participated in the survey; 19 completed both the pre- and post-workshop assessments. The mean pre-workshop score was 4.5 correct out of 10 (range 0-7); the mean post-workshop score was 5.4 (range 3-7) (unpaired t-test p=0.04). The mean improvement was 1.1 (paired t-test p=0.007). The majority of participants who completed the survey were pediatricians (n=30). Family practice (FP) physicians and pediatric/FP advance practice practitioners also participated. There was no significant difference in improvement for pediatricians vs. other providers. CONCLUSIONS: An educational tool based on the HeadSmart campaign was widely disseminated and is effective at increasing understanding of the timely diagnosis of pediatric CNS tumors among primary providers in Colorado. Further study, refinement, and dissemination have the potential to help mitigate disparities in pediatric CNS tumor outcomes.