Target oncology population
We previously conducted a retrospective research study to assess Vitamin D status and its socio-demographic and clinical correlates in 163 children with cancer, using 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. Based on the Endocrine Society guidelines,13 we found that 65% of the patients with newly-diagnosed cancer had low Vitamin D levels. Fifty-two patients (32%) were Vitamin D deficient, and 53 (33%) were insufficient. Age over 10 years, Hispanic ethnicity, and female sex were significantly associated with lower 25(OH)D concentration at diagnosis.12 Based on these research findings, we initiated our QI initiative in November 2015. Prior to the start of the project, our institution did not have a written guideline for Vitamin D testing, supplementation, and follow-up testing post-supplementation in children with newly-diagnosed cancer. Testing for Vitamin D and supplementation was done at the discretion of the treating oncology provider. Our QI initiative included children with newly-diagnosed cancer 2-18 years of age who needed treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation.