QOS-45: SPECIFIC INTERVENTION CARE IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR BRAIN TUMOURS: A SOCIAL-SKILLS TRAINING GROUP INTERVENTION IN GUSTAVE ROUSSY CANCER CAMPUS

BACKGROUND: Childhood brain tumors (BT), the second most common type of childhood cancer, account for approximately 20% of the pediatric oncology population. Several types of sequelae may arise after the childrens' treatment; cognitive and social competence difficulties being the most frequent and well documented by the literature. Social competence deficit participates in the alteration of emotional state and quality of life, and can hinder the children social and professional integration. Care models were developed to limit these difficulties. METHOD: Thus, since 2012, a social-skills training group for children in BT remission, has been set up in GR Cancer Campus. Based on cognitive-behavioural theory, this program provides a progressive training on social-skills required during social interactions. This closed group (6-8 children) is led by a child psychiatrist and a neuro psychologist; 2h sessions, 20 time along the year. In parallel, 10 parental guidance sessions, led by a psychologist, are also offered. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this program is to improve children's social competences in BT remission by increasing their social-skills, developing their self-esteem and self-confidence, and developing social support thanks to their participation to the group activities. It also allows to provide parental support on these children's specific difficulties. CONCLUSION: This innovative and collaborative project (Pediatric & Supportive Care Department) tends to improve the global caring of the BT affected children, to foster their social adaptation, and by extend to improve their quality of life. A satisfaction assessment is currently conducted in the families who participated to the program since 2012.