Development-oriented care
The chances of survival for children with cancer have improved significantly over recent decades. As a result, there is growing awareness of the importance of addressing the long-term effects of the disease and its treatment. Developmentally oriented care focuses on supporting the development and quality of life of children and their families, during and after treatment.
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Marieke Timmermans
Head of Developmental Care
What is developmentally oriented care?
At the Princess Máxima Center, a child’s overall development is central, both during and after treatment. We call this approach developmentally oriented care (DOC). The goal is to support a child’s development as effectively as possible and to prevent negative effects as much as possible, despite the impact of often intensive and long-term treatments.
The vision for developmentally oriented care is embedded throughout the entire organization of the Máxima Center. Prevention, attention to everyday life, and support for the family are key principles. In this way, we guide children and families as carefully as possible through treatment and the different phases that follow.
An integrative approach
Developmentally oriented care is an integrative approach that addresses all areas of development:
social
physical
cognitive
emotional
spiritual
Care focuses not only on the child, but on the whole family and the entire life course, including important transition moments such as changes in treatment phase, age, and development.
Guiding principles
Within developmentally oriented care, we work according to three guiding principles:
reducing medical (traumatic) stress
effective and understandable communication
tailoring care to the child and family
Attention to ‘everyday life’ is maintained as much as possible and actively encouraged. This vision is reflected in care, research, education, training programs, the building, and supportive facilities within the center.