Meet Your Care Team

ByLaura Fuller, RN ADN

Your Child’s Care Team

The care team: Your child has been diagnosed with cancer and admitted to the hospital. One by one, people enter the room to introduce themselves. You try to stay composed, but fear fills your mind. Your thoughts feel foggy. It’s hard to focus on what everyone is saying. How will you remember all the names? How will you keep up with the medical terms?

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. But remember, you’re not alone. A dedicated care team—called a multidisciplinary team (MDT)—is here to support you and your child through this journey. This team brings both expertise and compassion to help you every step of the way.

What is a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?

In children’s cancer care, hospitals often assign a multidisciplinary team (MDT). This team includes doctors, nurses, and specialists. They work together to care for your child. Their goal is to address your child’s medical, emotional, and financial needs. By working as a team, they bring years of experience to help you focus on your child’s well-being.

How Your Care Team Works Together

The team starts by creating a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. They meet regularly to review progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Your main doctor (often a pediatric oncologist) leads the team. They coordinate everyone’s efforts. At times, they may invite you to attend meetings so you can ask questions and be part of the planning.

Different Names for Your Care Team

You might hear different names for your child’s team depending on the hospital. Some common ones include:

  • Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)
  • Collaborative Care Team (CCT)
  • Integrated Care Team (ICT)

No matter what they’re called, the goal is always the same: to provide coordinated, high-quality care for your child.

Who’s on Your Child’s Care Team?

Here’s an overview of the professionals who may be part of your child’s care team. Not every team includes all these roles, but knowing who’s who can help you feel more comfortable.

Core Medical Team
  • Pediatric Oncologist (Lead Cancer Doctor): The doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating childhood cancers. This person often leads the team.
  • Pediatric Hematologist (Blood Cancer Doctor): A doctor who specializes in treating blood cancers, such as leukemia.
  • Radiation Oncologist (Radiation Specialist): Plans and delivers radiation therapy for certain cancers, such as tumors.
  • Surgeon (Pediatric or Cancer Surgeon): A doctor who performs surgeries to remove tumors or biopsies.
  • Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA): Works with your child’s doctor. They handle follow-up visits, perform exams, and monitor progress.
  • Pediatric Oncology Nurse (Cancer Nurse): Administers chemotherapy and monitors your child closely for side effects.
Support and Rehabilitation Specialists
  • Child Life Specialist: Helps your child understand their diagnosis and treatments. They use play therapy and age-appropriate discussions. They also support the whole family.
  • Social Worker: Provides emotional support. They help with resources like housing or financial aid.
  • Psychologist or Psychiatrist (Mental Health Specialist): Supports your child and family emotionally, helping you cope with anxiety, depression, and other stresses of cancer treatment.
  • Dietitian/Nutritionist: Creates a nutrition plan to meet your child’s needs. They ensure your child gets the right nutrients during treatment.
  • Physical Therapist (PT): Works with your child on strength and mobility. They provide exercises to help your child regain strength.
  • Occupational Therapist (OT): Focuses on improving fine motor skills, social skills, and physical abilities affected by treatment.
Pharmacy and Laboratory Experts
  • Pharmacist: Prepares medications, including chemotherapy. They ensure you understand the medications and their side effects.
  • Clinical Pathologist (Lab Specialist): Runs tests on blood or biopsies to help diagnose and monitor cancer. Their work is vital to the team’s decisions.
Pain Management
  • Pain Management Specialist: Manages long-term pain from cancer treatment. Not every child needs this specialist, but they are available if needed.

Depending on your child’s diagnosis, the team may also include specialists like a cardiologist for heart health or a neurologist for brain-related concerns.

Lean on Your Team

Every team member is here to support your family. They’ll ensure you feel informed, encouraged, and hopeful throughout the process. Trust that this team is dedicated to your child’s well-being. Don’t hesitate to lean on them, ask questions, and know they’re committed to working together to provide the best care for your child.

References

Evolution of IDTs – The Hospitalist. https://www.the
hospitalist.org/hospitalist/article/35077/leadership/evolution-of-idts/

Cantrell, M. A., & Ruble, K. (2011). Multidisciplinary care in pediatric oncology.
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. https://doi.org/10.2147/jmdh.s7108

Diagnosing Cancer in Children and Teens – HealthyChildren.org.
https://healthychildren.org/English/health
issues/conditions/cancer/Pages/Diagnosing-Cancer-in-Children.aspx

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