FUNCTIONS OF A MENTAL HEALTH (MH) TEAM ON A PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY UNIT

Abstract

Since 1969, 400 patients were seen by the MH Team and 300 had psychometrics. In 1973, 50 were in individual and group play therapy and 50 parents were in group therapy over 6 months. There were over 300 multidisciplinary case presentations. Recurrent themes of emotional abandonment and symbiosis had clinical manifestations of poor or no attendance at school and acting-out behavior at home and in community: isolation, withdrawal, hopelessness, helplessness and regression. The MH Team's goal is prevention and rehabilitation. Clinical research was undertaken to institute and validate methods. Patients' systems were approached in all components (hospital, family, school, community) and followed by the MH nurse. Results are improvement in school attendance, participation in the community, survival of peer contact, improvement of self-esteem, development of trust, less anxiety and less fear. Parents learned acceptance and became active participants in hospital, school, community and in the therapeutic efforts. There was better understanding among other staff of rehabilitation techniques and MH concepts. They developed better systems of communication between patients and parents becoming familiarized with the concept of a therapeutic community. Clinical cases will be presented. Supported by NCI Grant #CA05826; ACS Pediatric Cancer Psychiatry Program; Acquavella Pediatric Fund #2160-545.