Family orientated interventions of children and adolescents with cancer disease

Author(s): Schwarz, R., Mathes, L.

Journal/Book: Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsyc. 1997; 46: Theaterstrasse 13, Postfach 77, W-37070 Gottingen, Germany. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. 405-419.

Abstract: Cancer disease in a child almost implies an existential threat to all members of the family and a change in the accostumed way of life. It threatens children and adolscents at no matter which stage of development and influences their growth of development. It was realized very late, that the ''healthy'' family members are also affected and suffer from a double burden: at the same time they have to cope with their own concerns and give the sick child the necessary support as well. Acause to that psychosocial support systems were established in Pediatric Oncology; they orientate themselves by the needs of the entire family and work with an interdisciplinary method. A family-orientated-rehabilitation was drafted against this background, This allows all family members a physical, psychological and social rehabilitation within a four-week period, The study follows a prospecitve controlgroup design on 104 families, the effect of this family-orientated rehabilitation has been evaluated. The results show a clear and significant reduction in the severity of physical and psychological symptoms of the patients as well as parents and siblings. Moreover the family rehabilitation offers the opportunity to built up resources and to meet new as a family.

Note: Article Haberle H, Univ Heidelberg, Chirurg Klin, Neuenheimer Feld 155, D-69120 Heidelberg, GERMANY

Keyword(s): PSYCHOSOMATIC-MEDICINE; CIRCUMPLEX MODEL; EVENT SCALE; SYSTEMS; SIBLINGS; ILLNESS; IMPACT

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