Chairs

Goal Statement

Every Child & their Families with Cancer should have the assessment of their social & psychological needs and access to holistic social support as per their needs.

Key Focus Areas

• Publish a position statement on psychosocial support.
• Creation of special interest group for paediatric psycho oncology.
• Mapping - Food/ Nutrition, psychology services, social workers etc.
• Develop and implement standardised psychosocial assessment tool / pathways / processes including.
• Education/training.

Glimpses of Work

(a) Creation of special interest group for paediatric psycho oncology.

Context

A special interest group for paediatric psycho oncology (SIGPPO) brings together professionals passionate about the psychological well-being of young cancer patients. It is a community dedicated to advancing the understanding and care of children and adolescents facing the complexities of paediatric cancer.

Purpose

The Special Interest Group in Pediatric Psycho-Oncology (SIGPPO) held its first meeting on 15th Feb 2024, which coincided with International Childhood Cancer Day.

Functioning/activities of the group

• The group brings together professionals passionate about the psychological well-being of young cancer patients and includes psychologists, psycho-oncologists, social workers, doctors, etc.
• This group functions in collaboration with the ICCI task force for psychological and social support.
• Monthly meetings that focus on advancing the understanding and care of children and adolescents facing the complexities of pediatric cancer.
• Each session is 60-75 minutes long, with a spotlight session on a specific topic, followed by discussion time and the last 15 minutes for other agenda points.

Status/Next Steps

• Membership criteria/guidelines written.
• Short and long-term goals of SIGPPO written and approved by chairs and the group members.
• 3 meetings conducted (Feb, March and April).
• Members have written and approved a data privacy and sharing document for the group in view of clinical case discussions.
• Position statement has been shared with the group, and feedback elicited.

(b) Publish a position statement on psychosocial support

Context

The psychosocial task force aims to address the psychosocial challenges faced by pediatric oncology patients and their families by integrating mental health professionals, social workers, and community support networks into pediatric oncology care.

By working together, we aim to create a compassionate and comprehensive framework that not only treats the physical aspects of the disease but also nurtures the mental and social well-being of our precious pediatric oncology population.

Purpose

The ICCI Psychological and Social Support Taskforce proposed a position statement to address the unique emotional and social needs of young cancer patients in India. The position statement underscores the critical need for a comprehensive and holistic approach that extends beyond medical treatment.

Status/Next Steps

The position statement is drafted and the journal is identified for publication.

“Delivering psychological and social support to children with cancer in India and their families: a position statement from the Social and Psychological Taskforce of the Indian Childhood Cancer Initiative.”