Pediatric oncology: requirements and challenges of today - experience of Zaporuka Foundation specialists at the international conference

On July 3, the first in Ukraine international conferencewhich brought together specialists in almost all areas related to the treatment of children with cancer: psychologists, oncologists, hematologists, neurologists, pediatricians, family doctors, ultrasound specialists, rehabilitation specialists.

The conference was attended by representatives from Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania and the United States. From the foundation "Zaporuka" psychologists and rehabilitation specialists shared their experience of working with children with cancer and their families.

Master class "How to help parents survive the loss"

Special attention of the participants was drawn to master class by psychologist Alla Antonova, oncological psychologist at the National Cancer Institute and Zaporuka Foundation, dedicated to the topic communication with parents in difficult moments.

As part of the workshop, we discussed:

• How to ethically report disappointing news;

• How to prepare and end a difficult conversation;

• What to do after such communication;

• How to work in a team of a psychologist and a doctor.

In European countries, there are protocol of joint communication between a doctor and a psychologistbut it is not yet mandatory in Ukraine. Such meetings help to spread this practice among Ukrainian doctors.

Commentary by Alla Antonova:

"Just by talking to me and my colleagues, the doctors felt how our communication works. They not only heard answers, but also got their first experience of professional contact with our field. I'm sure that some of them will start changing their practice after that, and this is a big step forward."

The conference demonstrated the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation in the field of pediatric oncology and showed that Cooperation of doctors, psychologists and rehabilitation specialists can significantly improve the quality of care for children.

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