Pediatric & Adolescent Oncology Handbook

The oncology handbook was created in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, the number 1 pediatric cancer center in the US. Since 1975, patients and families received a binder with over 30 pages of exclusively text-based information. The goal of this project was to redesign the information to enhance sequencing, accessibility, engagement, and understanding for newly diagnosed patients and their families. The project aimed to create a visually engaging and cost-effective resource that aligns with patients’ preferences, emphasizing visual communication tools such as icons, diagrams, infographics, and color-coded tabs for quick navigation. Human-centered design methods were used to identify patient and family needs, content preferences, gather feedback on sizes, layouts, and content before validating visual communication tools such as icons. The outcomes include the development of two portable, language-inclusive handbooks (English, Spanish, Arabic) targeted at different age groups, which have improved comprehension, engagement, and usability. The oncology handbooks are implemented in the clinical setting and serve as a vital tool for patient/family education and empowerment.

From the original award submission, lightly copyedited.