Family partnership model as a framework to address psychosocial needs in pediatric cancer patients

Abstract

Objectives: To summarize recent scientific literature on the psychosocial needs of pediatric cancer patients and their families and the existing psychological interventions to address these needs. To outline the features of the Family Partnership Model, an intervention that has proven effective in other chronic pediatric problems and may be also helpful in this field. Methods: The most recent papers regarding the psychological needs of children with cancer and the interventions to meet them were reviewed. The principles of the Family Partnership Model as a method to enhance care and meet these children’s needs were discussed. Results and conclusions: Although significant psychopathology in children with cancer is relatively rare, psychological late effects such as subclinical PTSD in the survivors and their parents continue to be concerning. Renowned experts in this field have suggested that intervention frameworks useful for this population should provide tailored psychological support to families of children with cancer. Besides, the importance of interventions that can be delivered by health care professionals outside of mental health (e.g. physicians, nurses and teachers) have been highlighted. The Family Partnership Model is a holistic, family-centered and strengths-based approach that provides effective support specifically tailored to children’s and families’ needs. As it meets the most recent recommendations made by experts and has proven helpful in the treatment of child with other chronic illnesses, we think it is a really promising intervention framework.