The DOM Model

Usługa

The lack of systemic solutions and appropriate psychological support for parents/caregivers of children with cancer and their milieu

“The DOM Model” is a support program for parents or caregivers of children who undergo cancer treatment or who have battled cancer. It intended for both the patients and their support system (relatives, caregivers and people supporting the families: psychologists, psychotherapists, psycho-oncologists, school educators, etc.). Analysing the family situation and the model of cooperation is based on using the family resources (it is known as strengths-based social work practice). The model helps the patient and their family adapt to new circumstances by focusing on recognising the patient's strengths. On this basis, further measures intended for the child are developed in cooperation with its caregiver, teachers, peers from the school/preschool or social welfare workers. A diagnostician with a background in psychology consults with each family. During interviews, the needs of each family are identified and relevant forms of support determined.

Families/caregivers of children with cancer

Families/caregivers of children with cancer – Personnel of educational institutions (teachers, educators, school psychologists) – Medical personnel (nurses, doctors)

Documents: “The DOM Model” – predictions and cooperation results “The DOM Model” – tools to be used while working with relatives of children with cancer “The DOM Model” – tools to be used while working with children and teachers Experiences gathered in the process of testing the innovation “The DOM Model” were used and extended in the program Children's Oncology in the province of Wielkopolskie

Relatives of children with cancer who took part in the project trial identified issues that had improved in their lives as a result of participating in it. One participant was very please and said that the one-on-one conversations she had with her daughter and the training initiated at her school have helped improve her daughter’s self-esteem and allowed her to find new friends. The conversations with psychologists made the mother realise how resilient her family was. Another person felt that the psychological intervention has helped her find the strength to take care of herself and cope with her child's illness and her fear of recurrence. She also acknowledged that, as a result of the project, her self-acceptance improved and she was more confident and calmer. Child caregivers praised measures that contributed to problems being quickly resolved (i.e. by focusing on a task) or tips on how to directly deal with certain issues, e.g. recommendations on games for children or relaxation techniques.

Zdecydowanie pozytywna

Tak

For working with the family: a diagnostician with background in psychology who will identify the needs of individual family For workshops in educational institutions: an educationalist or teacher who will conduct workshops using the plan from ‘Tools for working in educational institutions’

For working with the family: ‘Tools for working with the family of a child with cancer’, safe space for meetings For workshops in educational institutions: ‘Tools for working in educational institutions’, art supplies required for the workshop.

Podmiot prawny

Fundacja Pomocy Dzieciom z Chorobami Nowotworowymi w Poznaniu

Poznań

Inkubator Wielkich Jutra [2019-2023]