Debbie Stavleu is a PhD student at the Princess Máxima Center. She worked for four years in the supportive care research group led by Wim Tissing. Her doctoral research focuses on the development of evidence-based guidelines. These are guidelines that make recommendations based on the latest literature for children with cancer.
What is a guideline on ‘social restrictions’?
Debbie: ‘We have guidelines on a number of topics, such as the flu vaccine, platelet (blood clotting) transfusions, and erythrocyte (red blood cell) transfusions. In these guidelines, we provide recommendations for the care of children with cancer. These recommendations are intended for pediatric oncology professionals, as well as parents and children. One of these guidelines is the ‘social restrictions’ guideline for children with cancer. We have reviewed existing guidelines, added new clinical questions, and developed an evidence-based guideline through literature review and multidisciplinary consultation.’
Why is this guideline important?
‘Cancer treatment is hard, intensive and long-term, with many side effects and toxicities. For example, there is a risk of bleeding or infection. That is why there are recommendations, called ‘social restrictions’, for children with cancer. The goal of these rules is to reduce the risks as much as possible. However, it is a delicate balance between minimizing side effects or complications and maximizing quality of life. It shouldn't be unnecessarily burdensome.’
How does this work in practice?
‘Important issues in the daily life of parents of children with cancer and their children are, for example: Can my child with cancer go to school or kindergarten, the zoo or ride the roller coaster? Can he/she play sports, swim, perform high-velocity activities? What hygiene measures are needed? On all of these topics, recommendations were made. One important recommendation we have made is about swimming. In the new policy, children with a central line (VIT) are allowed to swim. Before, they were not allowed. So this is a big advantage!’