Table 2.

Individualizing Education for Newly Diagnosed Families.

Learner Characteristics	Suggested Tailoring of Education
Learning style	Assess preferred learning style, literacy, and health literacy prior to initiation of education
	Build a relationship with the learner
	Use techniques that enhance the learner’s self-efficacy (eg, involvement in the child’s care during hospitalization, hands-on learning)
	Use a “teaching toolbox” that includes multiple modalities, including low- to high-technology options, developmentally appropriate content, and varied learning strategies (eg, active learning-simulation, one-on-one interaction, video modules, web-based tools, hands-on training, written materials, COG Family Handbook)
Language/literacy/culture	Provide content in the learner’s preferred language
	Use simple (nonmedical) language (ie, at or below a 5th grade level)
	Strive for cultural congruency when reviewing key educational content with the learner (eg, dietary instructions)
Emotional state (“feeling overwhelmed”)	Set appointment times for teaching, and create meeting agendas (ie, “action plans”)
	Keep educational sessions brief
	Provide information in small (ie, “bite-sized”) segments
	Repeat essential information over time
	Avoid giving families excessive amounts of written material (ie, avoid “paper overload”)
	For parents of young children, develop a plan to have the child cared for during teaching sessions so that the parent(s) can devote their full attention to learning

Note. COG = Children’s Oncology Group.