Oncologist's perspectives and factors influencing school re-entry recommendations for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

Currently, there are no established guidelines among pediatric oncologists regarding school attendance recommendations during cancer treatment. Practices vary widely, ranging from continued school attendance following the initial phase of cancer treatment to complete abstention from school for the majority of the treatment protocol. This survey project explored the current practices of attendance recommendations among oncologists as well as their knowledge and perceptions of how school absence affects their patients' academic and psychosocial functioning. In an attempt to better understand why oncologists make the school re-entry recommendations, a prediction model was created and found to significantly predict oncologist's re-entry recommendations.