Sibling groups. Interaction with siblings of oncology patients

Abstract

Siblings of pediatric oncology patients in active therapy met as a group for 5 consecutive weeks with two oncology team members. The parents met simultaneously in another location in the hospital. The goals were to provide (1) a support group for the siblings, (2) information regarding the various treatment regimens, and (3) specific knowledge regarding the particular stresses of specific therapy programs. The following problem areas were identified: (1) reiteration of resentment toward the patient due to the amount of attention focused on them by family and friends, (2) embarrassment in talking about the patient's illness, and (3) the relationship between the parent's willingness to discuss the patient's illness at home and the sibling's comprehension of the illness.