Although language disparities in outcomes are well documented in general pediatrics and adult oncology, little is known in pediatric oncology. Patient or family language is not included in many multi- institutional databases and patient registries, limiting studies of language-based inequities to single institutions. It is essential to identify specific disparities in outcomes to start building an understanding of the causal pathways and allow for developing and testing targeted interventions in future work. We will conduct a retrospective cohort study using PEDSnet to examine differences in clinical outcomes based on language for care. Hypothesis: Patients whose caregivers use a language other than English (LOE) for care will experience significantly more healthcare utilization and deaths compared with those who use English.
Aim 1: (a) Assess family preferences for oncologic diagnostic communication among a linguistically diverse sample.
(b) Qualitatively compare differences in caregiver experiences of diagnostic communication between dichotomized language groups.
Aim 2: Analyze variations in pediatric cancer outcomes related to language for care.