[The Interdisciplinary Family Consultation in Pediatrics - An Integrative Approach to Complex Burdened Families of...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Child Psychiatry
• Systemic Family Therapy

Context:

• Families of chronically ill children often experience high psychosocial stress.
• Integrating mental health specialists into pediatric settings is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of an interdisciplinary family consultation service within pediatric care.
• To address the psychosocial needs of families managing childhood chronic illness.

Summary:

• A family consultation model was implemented at Heidelberg University Pediatrics, involving child and adolescent psychiatric/psychosomatic specialists.
• The service demonstrated successful integration and regular utilization despite organizational demands, confirming high parental stress levels.
• Initial follow-up data show significant reductions in treatment-related concerns, uncertainty, and problems.

Impact:

• The model provides a valuable, positively assessed support service for families facing significant psychosocial challenges.
• Successful outcomes suggest a need for permanent integration of such consultations into pediatric care.
• Securing sustainable funding is critical for the long-term viability of this interdisciplinary approach.