This team consists of medical pedagogical employees, medical social workers and psychologists.
Medical pedagogical employees
You will frequently encounter our medical pedagogical employees. They can explain examinations, procedures and treatments to you and your child. If you wish, they can prepare and support your child. You can ask them how you can make your child's stay in the hospital as comfortable and easy as possible. They can also advise you on how to deal with brothers, sisters, people in your surroundings, etc.
Social worker
Our social workers (brochure in Dutch) can help you adjust to life after diagnosis or treatment. They help with practical and emotional problems, such as finances, work and relationships.
(Neuro)psychologist
Cancer has a huge impact on the quality of life of child and family. Most families manage to adapt to the new situation, but some families find it difficult to adjust. Our psychologists can help with psychological complaints as well as behavioral problems and problems with learning. Children with a brain tumor are always introduced to the neuropsychologist (read more about the Brain CARE program below). If necessary, the psychologist will ensure a smooth and safe referral to a psychologist close to home.
KLIK
In order to support you as best as possible, we also keep an eye on how you are coping via the KLIK portal.
Some children with a brain tumor may develop attention, memory, emotional and behavioral problems and perhaps more. We therefore monitor your child over time by means of neuropsychological tests. This enables us to provide, if necessary, timely (psychosocial) help and guidance, such as advice for at home, sharing thoughts about school or psychological treatment.
Attention and memory are also called cognition. The field that deals with cognition, emotions and behavior is called neuropsychology.
Neuropsychological examination
A neuropsychological examination provides an insight into the connection between the brain and behavior. It is not a physical examination; instead, it consists of tests, observations and questionnaires. A neuropsychologist or psychological assistant conducts the examination using puzzles, games and assignments. All examinations with young children are conducted in the form of play. The neuropsychologist or psychological assistant also observes how your child carries out the assignments and how they are feeling. The examination is always tailored to your child and what your child can handle in terms of energy and pressure.
There are various types of neuropsychological examinations. Based on the data that we collect on the functioning of your child, the neuropsychologist or psychological assistant determines which neuropsychological examination your child will undergo and whether more or different neuropsychological examinations are needed.
In addition, we request that you complete online questionnaires in the KLIK portal as part of the neuropsychological examination. The collected information helps us to get the best possible clinical picture of your child's functioning and of their strengths and weaknesses/vulnerabilities.
Care and scientific research
In order to continuously improve our care for children with a brain tumor, we also conduct scientific research within the Brain CARE program. Because we coordinate the care and scientific research moments you will be approached no more than is necessary. Participation is always voluntary. We will only use the results of your child's neuropsychological examination for scientific research purposes if you (and your child) give us permission to do so.
More information is provided in the brochure BRAIN Care Program (only in Dutch). Should you need any further information, please feel free to ask.
Contact
The team is always available to help and can be reached via secretariaatPPST@prinsesmaximacentrum.nl. You can also let us know via KLIK that you need to get in touch with a psychologist or a social worker.