Psychosocial care in malignant diseases of childhood: organizational and structural implications

The desirable level of psychosocial care for the malignant diseases of childhood will not occur spontaneously due to the complexity of the treatment, the numerous skills and specialties involved, and the predictably high level of parental and child needs. A philosophy of total care will require careful and explicit formulation. Once the philosophy is established, the organization and its components must structure the care in such a manner as to assure delivery of total medical-psychosocial management. Specific methods can be incorporated which will support the care deliverers who, in turn, provide the care for the nuclear family unit. Such methods may include parent group meetings, care conference rounds, and emotional-psychologic management conferences as discussed.