The Psychosocial Support Task Force of ICCI initiated the development of psychosocial care guidelines with a two-day foundational meeting held on 5th–6th September 2024 at Radisson Blu, New Delhi. The meeting brought together 50 participants, including psychologists, social workers, pediatric oncologists, and representatives from key psychosocial organizations. Extensive discussions and breakout sessions led to the identification of three primary focus areas for guideline development:
- Evaluation / Triage / Referral.
- Interventions.
- Manpower and Training.
Building on this foundation, the ICCI organized the Psychosocial Guidelines Group Workshop on 3rd August 2025 at Narayana Health, Bangalore. The workshop convened members of the working group to review the drafted first three chapters—Evaluation, Interventions, and Manpower. The session emphasized peer review, feedback integration, and collaborative development to ensure national relevance and implement ability. The next steps involve finalizing these chapters and circulating them for broad consultation to guide the creation of national psychosocial care guidelines for children with cancer.
Guidelines Development Update
The first chapter, focusing on Evaluation and Assessment, has completed its first round of review. The second chapter, Interventions, is being prepared for its initial review. The first phase of the guidelines—comprising Evaluation, Interventions, and Manpower—will be finalized by October 2025.
Next Steps
Work will commence on the second phase of the guidelines.
A pilot project is being planned to implement the developed psychosocial care guidelines across selected pediatric oncology units.
To develop national standards for social workers in pediatric oncology.