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Quest. An intervention program for children whose parent or grandparent has cancer
1Center for cancer Treatment and Research, Richland Memorial Hospital, Columbia, SC 29203, USA.
Purpose:
The emotional strains and anxiety experienced by a family system when a parent or significant adult member has cancer are well documented. Furthermore, the literature suggests a need for an intervention program for children whose parent or grandparent has cancer. The current article describes Quest, an intervention program for children and teenagers whose parent or grandparent has cancer. Quest is designed to facilitate positive coping with a parent's or grandparent's cancer diagnosis, increase understanding about cancer, and promote more positive communication about the diagnosis within the family system.
Description Of Program:
Quest is a 2-hour, biannual evening program targeted to children and adolescents whose parent or grandparent has cancer and structured to include educational information as well as time for expression of feelings.
Results:
The child, parent, and staff evaluations have been overwhelmingly positive and indicate the value of the program.
Clinical Implications:
This program might be useful to other clinicians who have limited time to address a small, but important population affected by a cancer diagnosis in a family member. The structure and organization of the program make efficient use of time, yet address major issues affecting the children.