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Our pediatric hematology-oncology service includes a team of people dedicated specifically to psychosocial support for our patients. This team consists of the following:

• chaplain
• child life specialists
• psychologist
• school liaison
• social workers

Chaplain: Throughout the BJC and Washington University Medical School systems, clinical chaplaincy services are provided with a devotion to, and respect for, cultural and religious diversity. A clinical chaplain trained in hematology and oncology is available to provide multi-faith spiritual care services to our patients and families.

The chaplain will assess spiritual and religious resources available to each patient, then develop a spiritual care plan appropriate for that individual. The goal of chaplaincy services is to help patients and their families explore how to utilize their unique hoping and coping skills as they tackle life with cancer and/or blood disorders. Toward that goal, the chaplain can provide counseling, ethical discussion, prayer and other services, in addition to pertinent religious resources. The chaplain for hematology-oncology services can be reached at 314-454-2873.

Child life specialists: There are two child life specialists for the hematology-oncology population. They work with our patients in the outpatient clinic, the BMT unit, and on 9 West, our inpatient floor.

To help relieve some of the anxiety patients might feel while they are at the hospital, child life specialists provide medical play, help with preparation for procedures, suggest coping strategies, and supply some fun things to do during the time spent in the hospital.

Psychologist: Our psychologist from the staff of St. Louis Childrenís Hospital Department of Psychology works directly with our children and families shortly after diagnosis. After an initial evaluation, follow-up services during hospitalization and/or on an outpatient basis may include:

• emotional support and counseling
• individual therapy with patients, siblings, and/or parents
• family counseling
• behavioral techniques to manage pain, anxiety, reactions to treatment side effects
• interventions to assist with illness management

Children with cancer who receive medical care outside of St. Louis Childrenís Hospital may also receive outpatient psychological services through the Psychology Department. As with physician services, psychology services are billed by the provider. St. Louis Childrenís Hospital psychologists are on most major insurance plans.

To contact the Psychology Department office call 314-454-6069.

School Liaison: Our school liaison helps children with cancer return to school as early as possible after diagnosis. She will establish a link with the school staff to keep the communication open and will help to ease the transition back to school when the patient is ready to return. Following are some of the services she provides:

• meetings with children and parents to prepare for the return to school
• contact school and arrange for a staff meeting to educate about the childís illness and relevant needs
• arrange for home tutoring when needed
• coordinate tutoring services for children when they are inpatients if needed
• supply educational information to schools about how to ease school reentry for children with cancer
• maintain a communication link between the patient, medical staff, and school

To contact the school liaison, call 314-454-2173.

Social Workers: Our social workers serve as liaisons between families and the medical staff. They complete psychosocial assessments with newly diagnosed patients and their families. Their services include:

• advice about resources potentially available to families, including financial assistance and lodging alternatives for families from out-of-town
• assistance with acquiring these resources
• family support and counseling
• quarterly support group activities for families