Identification of current needs of psychological and pedagogical support of families with children who have had cancer and hematological diseases

Abstract

Introduction. The issue of the quality of life of children with life-threatening illnesses is directly related to the emotional trauma experienced by the entire family. In order to overcome the difficulties encountered and to help, a well-coordinated teamwork of specialists: doctors, psychologists, rehabilitation therapists, teachers, social workers, and an understanding of the current picture of the state of the intrafamily situation and the child are needed. The purpose of the study: to identify current needs of psychological and pedagogical support of families with children who have had cancer and hematological diseases in order to understand what corrective, developmental, adaptive measures are necessary to build an effective, harmonious psychological, social and pedagogical support in the post-hospital period. Materials and methods. For gathering of the information we used: the author's questionnaire of definition of the current rehabilitation situation, the technique "Parent's composition" by A.A. Shvedovskaya; family sociogram by E.G. Eidemiller, V.V. Justitzkis. We interviewed 110 respondents, 55 of them were parents and 55 children at the age of 6-14 years old, with a history of oncohematological diagnosis, being in remission at the moment of the study. Results. Specific fears and limitations of parents regarding health, learning and communication issues of their children were identified. Most families (75%) understand that successful rehabilitation requires a comprehensive approach. Problems with attention, assiduity and memorization of children (42%) were identified among difficulties. Second place in prevalence – problems in building contacts with children and new adults 34% (shyness, inability to maintain a dialogue, etc.). In third place was low interest in learning (28%). Actual themes for psychological support were the construction of personal boundaries of the relationship with the siblings, the resolution of school difficulties, the development of independence, the improvement of communication skills, and emotional intelligence. No symptoms of hospitalism and destructive relations were revealed. Conclusions. The data obtained can be used by psychologists, social workers, and health care specialists to provide comprehensive support and assistance to children who have suffered from oncohematological diseases and their families during the rehabilitation period.