20.2.2.4 Education in Hospital

Education in hospital serves to strengthen the patient’s motivation and self-confidence, forming a bridge to normal life through creativity, games, and learning

•Hospital School:

–Lessons at the right age and level for children and adolescents of school age during their stay in hospital or outpatient clinic

–Regular contact with class teachers and school authorities (discussion of subjects to be covered, obtaining appropriate teaching materials, reintegration, implementation of supportive measures, change of class)

–Talks with patients and parents about school issues

–School visits

•Education through art and play:

–Development of a trusting relationship through regular contacts during creation and play

–Encouraging the working through of difficult hospital experiences in a play situation

–Involvement of parents and siblings, and support in educational matters

–Helping to create a childand adolescent-friendly atmosphere in the hospital In addition to these core professionals, pastoral care as well as art and music

therapy contributes significantly to psychosocial work. In many clinics, parents’ associations and foundations also provide supporting activities and self-help groups for affected families.

20.3The Practice of Pediatric Psycho-oncology

20.3.1 Objectives

At the center of psycho-oncological work is the promotion of individual and family resources during the crisis of disease, therapy, and – in some cases – dying, death, and mourning. The core is formed by a supportive relationship, oriented according to the physical, psychological, and social challenges and opportunities of the sick child and his or her social environment, and taking into account individual variations in coping and adapting. The objectives of psycho-oncological work include:

•Creation of a trusting and meaningful dialogue

•Provision of information and expert help

•Promotion of adaptive and active disease management, and the mobilization of resources to prevent or reduce disease burdens

•Treatment and support in crisis situations

20.3.2 Procedure

20.3.2.1 Investigative Phase

•The investigation that precedes every psycho-oncological treatment serves to identify the coping and adaptation strategies that are available to the sick child and the social environment. It also provides important basic information for the family,