Promoting Psychological Well-Being in Children with Acute and Chronic Illness

Melinda Edwards is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Evelina Children's Hospital, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London. She has worked as a paediatric psychologist for 20 years, and has a wide range of experience across different medical specialities. Penny Titman is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. She has worked in a range of child services both within a mental health setting and within general and paediatric settings. Both authors are members of the Paediatric Psychology Network Committee, the national special interest group for paediatric psychologists in the UK.

• List of tables. List of figures. 1. Introduction. 2. Assessment. 3. Promoting adaptation: the experience of the child. 4. Promoting adaptation: the experience of parents, siblings and families. 5. Management of procedural distress. 6. Assessment and management of chronic pain and medically unexplained symptoms. 7. Promoting adherence to treatment. 8. Education, school and peer relationships. 9. Empowering young people – involvement in decision-making and developing health care services. 10. Transition to adult care. 11. Bereavement and palliative care. 12. Supporting staff and caring for the carers. Appendix 1. Resources. Appendix 2. Books for children. References. Index.

"Promoting Psychological Well-Being in Children with Acute and Chronic Illness" is a powerful survey that promotes the psychological well-being of children with medical conditions. Any professional working with a child will find this packed with strategies ranging from relaxation techniques to preparing a child for procedural distress and helping them feel empowered. A solid pick for any health professional's reference collection, this should be in the libraries of any who work with children.