Welcome to the first installment of our blog series on pediatric cancer care. I’m Becca, a Child Life Specialist at the Emory Proton Therapy Center (EPTC), one of the busiest proton therapy facilities in the United States. As a Child Life Specialist, my role is to support the emotional and developmental needs of children undergoing medical treatment. Through this series, I’ll share my experiences, insights, and the advanced technology we use to provide personalized care for our young patients. Let’s start by exploring my philosophy and approach to pediatric cancer care.
Personalized Cancer Care Philosophy
As a Child Life Specialist in proton therapy, my philosophy centers on providing holistic support tailored to each child’s unique needs. I believe in fostering a comforting and empowering environment that addresses their emotional, psychological, and developmental well-being throughout their treatment journey. By building trust, offering age-appropriate explanations, and utilizing therapeutic play techniques, I aim to alleviate fears, promote coping skills, and enhance their overall quality of life during this challenging time. Learn more about proton therapy for pediatric tumors and cancers.
“Seeing a child go from uncertainty about proton therapy to building a sense of mastery and completing treatment utilizing coping skills they’ve learned is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. To me, nothing is more special than a child beaming with pride because of something they have accomplished.”
The Importance of Compassion
Compassion is at the heart of what we do. Working with children battling cancer requires not only medical expertise but also a deep sense of empathy. We strive to create an uplifting environment where children feel safe and supported. Listening to their fears, providing reassurance, and being a consistent source of comfort are integral parts of compassionate care.
“It’s important to me that each child is seen as a person, not a patient. Your child is more than a number and should be treated with the individualized care they deserve. Our goal is to make the treatment experience as gentle as possible, both physically and emotionally.”
Building Trust with Families
Children often need time to build rapport with hospital staff in a way that feels comfortable to them. Because play is the universal language for children, I utilize toys and activities to help children acclimate to the environment, express feelings, and process what they are going through. I feel that this method provides a sense of familiarity, allowing children the time they need to feel comfortable.
Trust is essential in pediatric cancer care. At EPTC, we build trust through transparent communication and by involving families in every step of the treatment process. We explain the intricacies of proton therapy, discuss potential outcomes, and ensure that families are well-informed and comfortable with the treatment plan.
“Because of the team-based care approach we provide to pediatric patients and their families, we are in a unique situation of having continuity of care and ample time to spend with each family. By allotting appropriate time for all questions and emotional needs, building trust comes very naturally between the healthcare team and patient’s families. Often, families are tearful when treatment is finished because of the strong bonds that are created during this delicate time.”
Addressing Emotional and Psychological Needs
The emotional and psychological impact of cancer on children and their families is profound. In my practice, I meet with each child to assess emotional and psychological needs. I provide developmentally appropriate preparation for simulation and proton therapy and deliver coping support to all children going through treatment. Alongside our highly skilled support services team, we partner with community organizations that provide discounted counseling, music services, pediatric art events, and more.
“The art party events that we host with our community partner, Camp Sunshine, have been a game-changer for our patients, providing a creative outlet for expressing feelings.”
The Role of Family in Treatment
Families are a crucial part of the healing process. In addition to our Patient Support Services, we empower them with knowledge and support, involve them in care decisions, and provide resources to help them effectively support their child. Proton therapy’s precision reduces side effects, allowing children to maintain a better quality of life, which is reassuring for families.
Taking care of the entire family unit is of utmost importance when working with pediatric patients. We know that siblings face their own psychological issues while having a brother/sister with cancer. Therefore, sibling support is a significant part of my role. In addition, parents of children going through a cancer journey need their own level of support. The pediatric social work team empowers parents with knowledge and support, making them the drivers in care decisions and providing resources to support the financial and emotional aspects of this experience.
“Treating children with cancer is unique. Instead of devoting full attention to the patient, you consider the entire family. Recognizing the pediatric patient’s and siblings’ needs is crucial to their comfort. In addition, knowing that proton therapy minimizes damage to healthy tissues gives parents peace of mind.”
Multidisciplinary Approach
Our multidisciplinary team at Emory Proton Therapy Center includes oncologists, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, all working together to provide comprehensive care. Regular team meetings and open communication ensure that every aspect of a child’s care is considered and addressed.
“Collaboration is key in ensuring our patients receive the best possible care from all angles.”
Takeaway
Personalized pediatric cancer care at Emory Proton Therapy Center is about more than just treating the disease; it’s about treating the whole child and supporting their family. With advanced proton therapy technology and a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach, we strive to make a significant difference in the lives of our young patients. For more information on emotional support for pediatric cancer patients, please visit the American Childhood Cancer Organization.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll delve deeper into the emotional and psychological aspects of pediatric cancer care.