Family-Centered Care
The
diagnosis
of cancer
brings
with
it tremendous
implications
for
the
patient,
the
parents
and
siblings.
For
the
Hematology/Oncology
staff,
dealing
with
the
emotional
needs
of children
and
their
families
is as
important
as dealing
with
the
physical
and
medical
needs
of the
patient.
To help
families
cope,
every
new
cancer
patient
is assigned
a psychosocial
team
that
consists
of a
social
worker,
psychologist
and
child
life
specialist
soon
after
receiving
their
child’s
diagnosis.
Through
regular
meetings
with
the
patient
and
family,
the
team
is able
to anticipate
potentially
stressful
situations
and
help
the
family
manage
them
successfully.
Support
programs
developed
by the
Hematology/Oncology
staff
to help
families
cope
with
their
child’s
disease
and
treatment
include
Bone
Marrow
Transplant
Reunion
Day,
SIBS
(Significantly
Important
Brothers
and
Sisters)
Day,
summer
camp
and
educational
conferences
for
families
of children
with
sickle
cell
disease.
Through
Bone
Marrow
Transplant
Reunion
Day,
families
with
children
who
have
received
bone
marrow
transplants
are
introduced
and
encouraged
to share
their
experiences.
To help
siblings
cope
with
a brother
or sister
who
has
cancer,
the
Hematology/Oncology
staff
developed
SIBS
Day.
On SIBS
Day,
siblings
are
encouraged
to come
to the
hospital
to meet
physicians,
tour
the
hospital
and
participate
in special
child
life
activities.
In addition,
an annual
conference
is held
at the
hospital
to provide
families
of children
with
sickle
cell
disease
with
the
most
current
information
about
this
chronic
disease.
To foster
normal
growth
and
development,
children
who
currently
have
or previously
had
cancer
or blood
diseases
are
encouraged
to attend
a special
summer
camp
that
is coordinated
by Children’s
Hematology/Oncology
Division.
In this
non-medical
setting,
children
with
cancer
and
blood
diseases
are
able
to experience
a normal
camping
adventure,
share
their
experiences
with
other
children,
develop
independence
and
make
new
friends.
For
more
information
about
any
of these
programs,
please
call
412-692-5055.
