Academic Continuity and School Reentry Support as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology

Abstract

Clinicians agree that return to school after diagnosis promotes the positive adjustment of children and adolescents with cancer; however, the school reentry process can present challenges. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate the literature on school reentry support for youth with cancer. Seventeen publications were identified. School reentry services were well-received by families and educators; increased teacher and peer knowledge about childhood cancer; influenced peer and educator attitudes toward the patient; and improved communication and collaboration between patients/families, school, and the healthcare team. Evidence supports a strong recommendation for school reentry support for youth with cancer.

Pediatric Hospital School Programming: An Examination of Educational Services for Students who are Hospitalized

“…A significant body of literature exists which emphasizes the need to properly transition children with health conditions back to school (Irwin, Elam, & Merianos, 2015;Kaffenberger, 2004;Thompson et al, 2015). Because reentry and coordination with the child's school of record are essential, yet also time consuming, those developing or expanding programs must determine if hospital teaching and school reentry responsibilities will be managed by a single staff role (i.e., hospital teacher) or if separate liaisons will be employed to conduct reentry work.…”

“…Providing school services sends a message of hope to the child. Given the increasing emphasis on quality of life for those living with a medical condition (Thompson et al, 2015) and the growing pressure for healthcare providers to provide interventions to address adverse effects of disease and treatments (Wiener et al,2015), hospitals should consider providing basic educational supports to complement inpatient admissions for the pediatric population. At minimum, this must include sufficient staffing of appropriately certified hospital teachers and provision of adequate educational resources to supplement instruction.…”

“…Given the known adverse affects of hospitalization for children, pediatric healthcare professionals nationwide are increasingly acknowledging the need for hospitals to include comprehensive psychosocial care as a component of the child's medical treatment (Thompson et al, 2015;Wiener, Kazak, Noll, Patenaude, & Kupst, 2015). Many ancillary providers, including social workers, child life specialists, therapists, psychologists, teachers, and chaplains, are involved in the child's care to ensure comprehensive support that addresses the needs of the whole child.…”

Cuidado psicosocial en Hematooncología Pediátrica en hospitales públicos en Argentina

“…9 Favorecer la continuidad escolar e interrogar sobre el bienestar de los hermanos sanos son recomendaciones no controversiales avaladas por profesionales de la salud, padres y pacientes. 10 Nuestro país cuenta con acceso a escolaridad hospitalaria y/o domiciliaria en todo el territorio. Por último, el cuidado de hermanos se exploró con una sola pregunta, mientras que los otros tópicos se interrogaron más exhaustivamente.…”

Psychosocial care in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of public hospitals in Argentina

“…9 Favoring school continuation and asking about the wellbeing of healthy siblings are uncontroversial recommendations supported by health care providers, parents, and patients. 10 Argentina offers access to hospital schools and/or homeschooling programs in every territory. Lastly, sibling care was explored by means of only one question whereas the other topics were analyzed in more depth.…”