Integration of psychosocial services into the management of the child with cancer

Abstract

The integration of colleagues from psychosocial occupations into the traditional team of doctors and nurses demands a holistic treatment concept, the general desire for interdisciplinary action, and readiness for patience in the process of mutual learning. The acceptance of the psychosocial services by the patient and his/her family is frequently determined by the acceptance by physicians and nurses. The members of the psychosocial team are confronted with the following tasks.: 1. Developing a trustful relationship with the patient and his/her parents, 2. Setting up a history of family dynamics, 3. Practical assistance in matters of hospital routines, 4. Assistance in the emotional aspects of coping with the disease, 5. Rendering support to a patient and his/her family at death, 6. Leading and moderating groups of parents who live with so called "residual fear" or are mourning a child. Colleagues of the psychosocial team, who have to be able to cope with these existentially demanding tasks within a relationship to patients and their families over an extended period of time should have sufficient professional identity, adequate professional competence, and a certain foundation of life experience.