title: Family systems practice in pediatric psychology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a pediatric psychology consultation treatment framework based on family systems and developmental theories.
  
  
  METHODS
  After reviewing background relevant to family systems interventions, a five-step protocol (referral, assessment, collaboration, outcome) for consultation is presented, using case examples from our pediatric oncology service, to illustrate joining, focusing, promoting competence and collaboration with patients, families, and staff.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using protocols based on family systems frameworks, pediatric psychologists can offer systems-oriented consultation to patients, families, and healthcare teams.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further development and evaluation of family systems protocols are necessary to understand the efficacy of these approaches and their role in training and practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4399, USA. kazak@email.chop.edu
authors.forename: Anne E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Kazak
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simms
authors.forename: Mary T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Rourke
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D002666:Psychology, Child / Q000639:trends*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013598:Systems Theory