Implementation of psychosocial support project in a pediatric oncology camping program.

Abstract

e22534 Background: The oncological treatment can generate psychosocial distress for patients and their families. The Beaba Camping aims to educate and empower patients and caregivers through Technology Information and Gamification. In August 2019, in the third edition of the project, a pilot of Psychosocial Support Program was implemented to provide an integrative care to 71 children and adolescents under cancer treatment and 68 caregivers. Methods: Five psychologists, specialized in paediatric psycho oncology and palliative care, were selected to structure the Psychosocial Support Program and conduct interventions during three days of the camping. Based on evidences and experiences, the psychologists divided the interventions in: 1. Individually - children and adolescents. 2. Group - caregivers: 2.1. Belonging: identification and recognition of peers. Identification of psychological distress and similar fears; 2.2. Psychological Group Intervention: creation of groups to facilitate the intervention and bonding; 2.3. Feeling of the Day: expression of which emotion was the most prevalent each day of camping; 2.4. A Word of Support: exchange supportive statements among the peers. Results: 20 children/adolescents and 19 caregivers were attended individually, with demands variating from: Anxiety and sadness; Fear of future and prognosis; Social isolation and adaptation. 68 adults participated in groups that brought discussions involving: Biggest fears and difficult moments of the treatment; Relationship with their children and adolescents; Coping strategies and spirituality. Conclusions: The Psychosocial Support is an important and essential part of the cancer treatment. The Camping with Psychosocial Support Program may enable the demystification of the role of the psychologist, the link between professionals and patients and their caregivers, the binding among peers and the education about how the psychosocial support can be helpful to everyone involved in the treatment. For future improvements, more psychologists will participate in order to attend a larger number of participants and to perform more group interventions, including with children and adolescents.