Group Discussions With the Parents of Leukemic Children

Abstract

Group meetings are being used in increasing numbers in many divergent areas of patient care. A group for parents of children with acute leukemia was established in conjunction with a leukemia treatment program. The group met weekly and served as a means of problem identification and solution. Areas discussed were problems concerning patients, parents, siblings, friends, and the medical team. It also served as a forum for information dissemination. It was found that in the management of leukemia in children, the group served as a strengthening of the family during crisis episodes. Discussions of death and dying were difficult, and the death of another parent's child was traumatic to all. However, the benefits of shared experiences outweighed these difficulties. Parents developed a better understanding of leukemia and its treatment and felt that their ability to cope with associated problems was enhanced. Both the families and staff felt the group was a valuable adjunct to the management of acute leukemia in children. As far as the authors are able to determine this use of a group has not been reported in this form in leukemia management. The evaluation of the success of this group is largely subjective. It is hoped that others will employ the use of such a group and in larger numbers perhaps some degree of objectivity might be able to be developed to adequately evaluate the role of groups in leukemia clinics as well as other areas of medical practice.

Emotionally focused marital intervention for couples with chronically ill children.

“…Moreover, 42% of the couples who had children with spina bifida had experienced either marital conflict or breakup compared to 15% of those with healthy children. The literature identifies that conflict, poor communication, role incongruity, and a lack of intimacy and positive affect are the issues that typically characterize these couples’ relationships (Barbarin, Hughes, & Chesler, 1985; Crain et al, 1966; Heffron, Bommelaere, & Masters, 1973; Phillips, Bohannon, Gayton, & Friedman, 1985; Turk, 1964). Further evidence that couples with chronically ill children are at significant risk for marital distress was found during pilot work for the present study (Gordon Walker & Manion, 1991).…”

Ética y enfermedades de pronóstico incierto

“…Los métodos que utilice la familia para cuidar al enfermo dependerán de su historia, organización y estructura. Cuando la familia se involucra en el cuidado del enfermo terminal no sufrirá tanto desgaste físico y emocional, y el proceso de duelo no será tan doloroso al reflexionar sobre el trabajo realizado (16,17) . Ética e investigación en enfermedades de pronóstico incierto: Los principios de la Bioética no sólo se circunscriben a la investigación médica, si no que deben observarse en el quehacer diario.…”

Therapeutic intervention with terminally ill children: A review.

“…Parents are encouraged to reevaluate their personal objectives and expectations for the child and to relinquish any unrealistic fantasies or goals (Burton, 1974). The tendency to infantilize or overprotect the child can result in dependence (Boyle, diSant'Agnesse, Sack, Millican, & Kulczycki, 1976) as well as sibling rivalry or jealousy (Heffron et al, 1973). To counteract this, terminally ill children can be provided with challenges matching their abilities and with diversions from the illness (Van Eys, 1976).…”

“…Friends and family-members refuse to deal directly with the issue (Heller & Schneider, 1978). It is, therefore, imperative that parents be encouraged to support each other, to accept the differences in their personal reactions (Kennell & Klaus, 1976), and to establish relationships with other parents (Heffron et al, 1973;McCollum & Gibson, 1970).…”

“…Critical group' themes are parental responses to diagnosis; coping with treatments and the repercussions of illness on family life; coping with the media, extended family, and friends; parental complaints; and staff-family communications (Belle-Isle & Conradt, 1979). The primary emphasis may be problem solving (Heffron et al, 1973), educational (McCollum & Gibson, 1970, or peer counseling (Heller & Schneider, 1978). Most groups seem to provide an outlet for the expression of feelings and the development of social support (Belle-Isle & Conradt, 1979).…”