Abstract

Living with a chronic illness can have a significant psychological impact on a child and his or her family, and it is essential that this aspect of their care is not overlooked.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to promoting the psychological well-being of children with chronic illnesses and medical conditions, covering support within health, social services and education. It discusses issues such as the impact of diagnosis and the experiences of children and their families in managing their medical condition and treatment. Strategies to support children and help them to cope with medical conditions are demonstrated, including cognitive behavioural and systemic approaches, and techniques such as relaxation and motivational interviewing. Case examples from clinical practice are given to illustrate the application of psychological ideas and frameworks to a variety of medical conditions and psychological difficulties. The book also includes a comprehensive resources section of where to look for further information.

This will be an essential book for all professionals working with children with medical conditions, including psychologists, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, counsellors, social workers, speech and language therapists, dieticians and play therapists.

Melinda Edwards is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Evelina Children's Hospital, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London. She has worked as a paediatric psychologist for 20 years, and has a wide range of experience across different medical specialities. Penny Titman is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. She has worked in a range of child services both within a mental health setting and within general and paediatric settings. Both authors are members of the Paediatric Psychology Network Committee, the national special interest group for paediatric psychologists in the UK.
At last... a book which offers practitioners a wealth of guidance and insights into helping children and their families to cope with illness. With its child-centred emphasis on promoting psychological well-being, resilience and adaptation to illness as well as improving treatment outcomes this will undoubtedly be a well used and often quoted text for both students and current practitioners. It will certainly be central to the reading list for my Health Studies teaching with immediate effect.
Deborah Plummer, Senior Lecturer in Health Studies, De Montfort University, UK
Promoting Psychological Well-Being in Children with Acute and Chronic Illness is an outstanding resource for all members of multidisciplinary pediatric healthcare teams caring for children and their families. This work balances the "big picture" by highlighting relevant conceptual frameworks with helpful guidance for working with youth and family members. It is a unique integration of current work that will be widely read and valued around the world.
Professor Anne E. Kazak, Director of the Department of Psychology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, USA
For a non-psychologist working in chronic disease management, there are useful chapters on managing pain and distress around procedures, and on promoting adherence to treatment and transition to adult services.
Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry
"Promoting Psychological Well-Being in Children with Acute and Chronic Illness" is a powerful survey that promotes the psychological well-being of children with medical conditions. Any professional working with a child will find this packed with strategies ranging from relaxation techniques to preparing a child for procedural distress and helping them feel empowered. A solid pick for any health professional's reference collection, this should be in the libraries of any who work with children.
The Midwest Book Review
`The book provides case examples to illustrate the application of psychological ideas and frameworks to a variety of medical conditions and psychological difficulties, as well as a detailed resources section.`
Human Givens Journal