A model for group intervention with the chronically ill: cystic fibrosis and the family.

Chronic illness in children creates ongoing stresses for patient and family. As the illness progresses and the child passes through various developmental milestones, the physical and psychological sequelae must be dealt with. This article discusses a psychosocial group intervention program developed at a Cystic Fibrosis Center in a children's hospital to maximize adaptive and functional responses. It also describes the issues and themes which emerge for patients, families and staff as current treatment brings chronically ill children into adolescence and young adulthood.