In fact, the family is an important component in every phase of diagnosis and treatment. Pediatric patients may be accompanied by a parent in the isolation room and visited by siblings, who also have a need to interact with their brother or sister receiving treatment. Children who feel well enough may continue their schoolwork. A child life specialist plays and interacts with the children, helping them understand the procedures they are undergoing in developmentally appropriate terms. At Cook Children's, it's never forgotten that the patient is an individual, and part of a family, all of who need comfort and reassurance.
Support groups are available for families to learn and share experiences.
As soon as feasible, the patient returns to the referring physician's care. By monitoring the long-term effects of treatment, the patient's therapy can be modified to prevent complications or to intervene immediately if needed. The transplant unit at Cook Children's Medical Center features a newly renovated eight-bed inpatient facility, where a parent is allowed to stay at night, and an outpatient clinic. The inpatient unit is equipped with HEPA filtered hallways and a playroom so children may leave their rooms. David Friedman, M.D., Ph.D, and Gretchen Eames, M.D., MPH, lead an experienced multidisciplinary team consisting of oncology nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, mental health clinical specialists, child life specialists, expert laboratory support and research staff.