The quality of life, on the one hand, refers to the physical, social, cognitive and emotional aspects of well-being and human functioning, and on the other hand to the impact of disease and treatment on the functioning and satisfaction of the lives of the sick. The effects of oncological disease and its treatment in children and adolescents change how they and their relatives function on a daily basis. The physical and psychological consequences of the disease thus influence the way social and professional roles are performed, reorganize life and activities, causing the resignation from dreams and goals, changing the ways of satisfying needs, re-evaluating them, etc.
However, the extent to which the disease and its treatment lower the assessment of the quality of life and change the functioning of children or adolescents and their families largely depends on the situational factors that arise after the diagnosis. We can talk about different types of support, interpersonal relations, conditions of the conducted treatment, including the place and space in which the treatment takes place, various forms of activation using modern technologies, therapeutic interventions mitigating the negative effects of aggravating experiences. The indicated factors make everyday life, even during illness, a source of joy and fulfillment. It is not reduced to suffering, limitations and sacrifices, but gives reasons for satisfaction.
In order to preserve the highest quality of life of children with experience of oncological disease and their relatives, we invite researchers and practitioners to share their knowledge in the latest research results, theoretical concepts and practical solutions that have an impact on improving the quality of life of patients and their families.
The indicated areas have allowed to identify thematic sections focused on the following issues:
- Humanization and personalization of children’s oncology wards.
- Activation of children, adolescents and their carers in the ward (using modern technologies).
- The patient’s well-being in interpersonal relations with medical and auxiliary staff.
- Ethical dilemmas related to the dissemination of the image of a sick child (including the right to be forgotten).
- Therapeutic methods and supporting activities and their effectiveness.