Implementation of the DIR Model and the DIR/Floortime Approach in the System of Palliative Care for Children

Abstract

Introduction. One of the systems that can be used in the system of palliative care for children is the Developmental Individual Relationship (DIR)/Floortime concept, which can be flexibly adapted to individual features of a child, and at the same time it has intelligible and clearly-defined tools for work and interaction, that take into consideration not only individual peculiarities of a patient, but also their parents and specialists.
 Purpose. The purpose of the paper was to review the possibilities and prospects of using DIR/Floortime model in the system of palliative care for children.
 Methodology. The paper was prepared on the basis of input from Belarusian Children's Hospice and also took into account experience of implementation of the DIR/Floortime Model (report information of ICDL’ specialists).
 Results and Discussion. In the course of the work the main tasks for providing palliative care to sick children were outlined and 6 points of introduction of the DIR /Floortime concept into this system were singled out.
 Conclusions. The main postulates of the DIR concept fully coincide with the modern principles of palliative support. Using DIR/Floortime Model also can solve urgent tasks of the system of palliative care for children: build a team-based, positive, supportive and safe relationship around a child and family; help to prevent conflicts; improve the emotional background of the child in care