Translating Research in Environmental Health to Pediatric Practice: A Survey of Pediatric Hematologists and Oncologists

摘要

Translating Research in Environmental Health to Pediatric Practice: A Survey of Pediatric Hematologists and Oncologists Background: Clinical practice plays an important role in advancing children's environmental health and preventing harmful exposures. While scientific studies have highlighted evidence of environmental contributions to childhood cancer incidence, we hypothesize that there have not been corresponding advances to incorporate this evidence into routine clinical practice. Aims:To assess environmental history-taking behavior and perceptions of environmental health among pediatric hematologists and oncologists. Methods:A web-based survey was conducted among 427 members of professional clinical networks across the country. Abstracts from the 2011-2012 American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) meetings were also reviewed to identify current clinical studies that investigate environmental risk factors. Results: The survey had a 45% response rate. Environmental exposures are of concern to clinicians, but a lack of familiarity or comfort in discussing these issues with patients' families presents a significant barrier. Although 76% of practitioners suspected some cases to have environmental etiologies, few asked about environmental exposures. Of the APSHO abstracts reviewed, less than 1% investigated environmental factors. Conclusions: This research implies a need for increased training and awareness of environmental health among pediatric practitioners, as well as a need for interventions related to improving environmental history-taking such as identifying behavior change strategies or incorporating self-administered intake questionnaires into patient care. By publishing research findings in journals that clinicians read, environmental epidemiologists can help bridge this knowledge gap and increase physician comfort in communicating research findings to patients.