[The psychosocial questionnaire for pediatric oncology]

A concept based on empirical data is needed for psychological support of children with cancer and their families. A number of concepts are already available, but a psychological assessment is needed, which controls the feasibility of these concepts. The psychosocial questionnaire is such an assessment, which transforms individual data into the practical psychosocial work during the entire course of cancer treatment. The diagnostical procedure includes aspects of coping with cancer, such as stress, protective and risk factors and health behavior. Data are collected before, during and after the intensive cancer treatment and in a follow-up after 6 or 12 months respectively. The questionnaire has four parts. Each contains a "handbook for parents", which informs the parent in detail on each part. Thus, we enforce the potential of each parent to help him-/herself.