Psycho-oncology
Thanks to major advances in medical treatment, childhood cancer has changed over recent decades from a condition that was often life-threatening to one that is now curable in many cases. However, alongside the physical effects of cancer and its treatment, children and their families often experience significant emotional, psychological and social challenges.
Treatment Approach
Our service is based on a comprehensive, integrated model of care delivered by a multidisciplinary psychosocial team. Working closely with doctors and nursing staff, our psycho-oncologist, hospital teachers, social worker and music therapist provide specialist support for children and adolescents with cancer or blood disorders, as well as for their families.
Our Aims
The main aims of our psycho-oncology service are to establish a trusting and meaningful relationship with the families of children and adolescents with cancer, to provide emotional support, information and practical assistance, and to help families access the services they need. Our focus is on strengthening the resources and resilience of families throughout the course of the illness, treatment and follow-up care. Support is tailored to the physical, emotional, social and developmental needs of each child or adolescent, as well as to those of their family and wider support network. We recognise that every child and family copes differently, and our care is adapted to their individual strengths, needs and circumstances.
Ongoing Support
Psycho-oncology support is available both during inpatient admissions and at outpatient follow-up appointments. This may include coordinating support services, liaising with schools or nurseries, providing crisis intervention, or offering longer-term psychological therapy where appropriate.
The transition between inpatient and outpatient cancer care is often seamless. Our model of psycho-oncology care ensures continuity of support throughout treatment and follow-up, allowing families to continue working with the same clinician whenever possible. This avoids unnecessary interruptions or changes of therapist and provides consistent, long-term support.
The Psycho-oncology offer is a joint service provided by UPKKJ and UKBB. The psycho-oncologist position is shared between the two organisations and funded at 80%.
Contact
Lic. phil. Kerstin Westhoff
Psychologist (FSP)
Number: +41 (0) 61 704 1212
Email: kerstin.westhoff@ukbb.ch
Universitätskinderspital beider Basel
Spitalstrasse 33
4056 Basel