The 2nd National Congress of Support Services

The 2nd National Congress of Support services for children suffering from cancer and their families: was held on October 23-24th at MAHAK. The goal of this Congress was to raise awareness about the impact of support services for children suffering from cancer and to share experiences and expertise with colleagues in these areas.  MAHAK, as a pioneer in making available scientific and technical methods pertaining to children with cancer in Iran, is striving to implement these types of events to bring further awareness and scientific information.

Initially, Parivash Lajevardi, a member of MAHAK’s board of directors and trustees, stated the importance of meeting global standardization and how MAHAK has been able to meet International standards in supportive services.

Arasb Ahmadian, the CEO of MAHAK welcomed the participants of the Congress and explained the psychological processes at work at MAHAK. For the first time, the Social Services Congress addressed four specific groups (Psychology – Social Work – Psychoanalysis – Medical Sociology) and how they are effective in the treatment and support of children suffering from cancer.

• Presentation of general, applied and developmental research undertakings in the subject-areas of psychology and psychiatry

• Presentation of general, applied and developmental research undertakings in the subject-areas of social works and social services

•  Issues related to job burnout and anxiety related to catering to the demands of cancer-stricken children and their families

•  Sociological analysis of medical organizations and institutions for cancer-stricken children and their families

•  Importance of medical ethics in line with continuous improvement in medical services quality

• Importance of social and psychological issues of patients’ family members and possible solutions

•  Team working and its role in delivering supportive and medical services

A. Ahmadian, insisted that the process at MAHAK is performed in an organized and systematic fashion “The starting point of this process is that the needs of the group or individual to be realized by the assessment committee, identified, and then planned for execution by MAHAK. This process requires a comprehensive management plan, which is currently in line with the International Management Association and has been awarded the gold project management award.”

The MAHAK Social Support services are in direct contact with children suffering from cancer and their families. The two main group interactions are: the children who are being treated at the MAHAK hospital and the children in other public / university hospitals during treatment. Looking at global cancer statistics for children A. Ahmadian said:

“According to global statistics, everyday 42 children with cancer are detected and 40 thousand children are being treated for cancer, and in the past 20 years, only 2 medications for treatment have been introduced.”

At the end of the conference, he stated the future goals:

“National standards are important in supporting the goals to provide services to children with cancer. The future goal of this conference is to develop and maintain these standards. “

This Social Services Congress was commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and the training of the Psychology and counseling Organization.  The congress came to an end by dedicating memorandum plaques to appreciate those who support MAHAK through their invaluable endeavors.