Preventive measures in the “teacher's pet tendency,” an adjustment reaction observed in hematologic malignancy

Abstract

A preliminary study of the classroom problems confronted by children and adolescents with hematologic malignancy was conducted in 14 cases. On the basis of the information gathered initially, a group of general characteristics was perceived that formed the basis of the adjustment reaction described. A more open system of communication among patients, parents, educators, and health professionals, including an audiovisual program, was designed and field tested among 117 educators and 36 adolescent classmates as a preventive measure. We conclude that more open and systematic communication among patients, parents, educators, adolescent classmates, and health professionals is a priority goal in hematologic malignancy in school-aged patients.