Positive effects of a psycho-educational group intervention for children with a chronic disease: first results.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of a psycho-educational group intervention for chronically ill children.


METHODS
Based on principles from cognitive behavior therapy and information from previous research about children's experiences with coping with a chronic disease we developed an intervention to be used for children with different chronic diseases. The program, called Op Koers (OK), with six sessions for different age groups, was evaluated by standardised and researcher-developed psychological measures.


RESULTS
A total of 109 patients participated in the study on the effects of the psycho-educational intervention. Improvements in behavioral-emotional outcomes, social competence, information seeking, relaxation and positive thinking were found both in short and medium term. Additionally, the sessions received positive appraisals.


CONCLUSIONS
The program appears to have a significant and positive impact on chronically children. Further research is needed to establish the effects of the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Beneficial effects can be expected from the implementation of a psycho-educational group intervention for children with heterogeneous chronic health conditions.
Last
Bob F
BF
Psychosocial Department, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. b.f.last@amc.uva.nl
Stam
Heleen
H
Onland-van Nieuwenhuizen
Anne-Martine
AM
Grootenhuis
Martha A
MA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D008960:Models, Psychological; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D015397:Program Evaluation; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*