Adaptation of the Day100 Talk communication intervention for Spanish-speaking families of children with cancer

Abstract

The Day100 Talk (Day100) bridges communication gaps between parents and clinicians early in pediatric cancer care through an interprofessional family conference facilitated by structured tools. We aimed to understand communication challenges and facilitators and to adapt Day100 for Spanish-speaking parents. We interviewed Spanish-speaking parents with limited English proficiency, Spanish-English medical interpreters, and clinicians to gather communication experiences and adapt Day100. Results showed that communication difficulties were precipitated by linguistic and cultural differences, nonvisual technologies, and limited spontaneous communication. Interpreters enhanced communication as linguistic and cultural brokers. Nonverbal cues also facilitated communication. Participants offered recommendations to adapt Day100 for future study.

Keywords: Spanish-speaking families; childhood cancer; communication intervention; supportive care.