Evidence-based assessment, intervention and psychosocial care in pediatric oncology: a blueprint for comprehensive services across treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the translation of psychological research into clinical services in pediatric oncology, based on two decades of research and clinical services in the Division of Oncology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

METHOD

Two models helpful in conceptualizing clinical care underlying intervention work at CHOP are summarized: The Pediatric Psychosocial Preventative Health Model (PPPHM; Kazak, 2006) and the Medical Traumatic Stress Model, specific to pediatric illness and injury (Kazak, Kassam-Adams et al., 2006).

RESULTS

Integration of these two models offers a "blueprint" for development and evaluation of services to children with cancer and their families relevant for all families across the complete spectrum of disease and treatment.

CONCLUSION

The dissemination of evidence-based psychosocial practice in pediatric oncology remains a large and challenging goal. The proposed blueprint may facilitate collaborative work to help assure that children with cancer and their families have access to evidence-based care.