Kajian Intervensi Kelompok Dukungan Psikososial terhadap Pasien Kanker Anak melalui Fun Therapy di Yayasan Onkologi Anak Medan (YOAM))

Abstract

According to WHO data (2021), every year there are more than 400,000 new cases of childhood cancer worldwide. The Ministry of Health noted that in Indonesia pediatric cancer ranks 8th out of the total cancer diseases with an estimated incidence of 16 cases per 100,000 children per year. The most common types of cancer affecting children include leukemia, retinoblastoma, and neurological cancer. Children with cancer tend to experience psychological pressure and social barriers in the form of anxiety, fear, and withdrawal from the social environment. The purpose of this study was to determine and identify group interventions conducted by the Medan Children's Oncology Foundation (YOAM) through fun therapy, identify psychosocial support provided, as well as challenges and obstacles in the implementation of group interventions using a qualitative approach case study method. The data collection techniques used were observation, interview, and documentation. The informants in this study amounted to 9 people who were selected using purposive sampling technique. The results showed that group intervention through fun therapy had a positive impact on the psychosocial conditions of children with cancer. The stages carried out are building relationships with patients and parents, identifying problems through discussion and consultation, gathering information, planning fun therapy activities, implementing activities, evaluating and re-planning activities. Fun therapy is proven to be able to provide psychological support such as helping children manage emotions, reduce stress, and overcome trauma through art therapy, music, games, and relaxation, and socially improve social interaction. However, there are challenges in implementing this group intervention such as children's physical fatigue after chemotherapy, transportation costs and funding barriers. Recommendations are given to the Medan Children's Oncology Foundation (YOAM) to involve medical social workers in assisting children, strengthen cooperation with the government, educate parents, develop fun therapy, and ensure funding sustainability