An estimated 25,000 children in Europe are diagnosed with cancer each year. Fortunately, many of these children are cured. By 2030, Europe is expected to have around 750,000 survivors of childhood cancer. These survivors may face significant emotional and social consequences of their treatment, for example stress, cognitive difficulties, or social isolation. By offering comprehensive psychosocial support, we can improve quality of life and prevent adverse long-term psychosocial effects in this growing group.
The availability of and expertise in psychosocial care for children and young people with cancer is not the same in every European hospital. IMPACT-EU (IMprove Psychosocial cAre and soCial supporT for children and adolescents with cancer and their families to improve quality of life for all) aims to change this, so that support for children with cancer, survivors, and their families becomes more equitable across Europe.
Better Together
The voice of patient and parent organisations is safeguarded by working closely with them throughout the entire project. Prof. Dr. Martha Grootenhuis, research group leader at the Princess Máxima Center, is responsible for the scientific direction and quality of the IMPACT-EU project: ‘IMPACT-EU will show what is truly needed in the field of psychosocial care in Europe and will at the same time strengthen the network and skills of professionals. By working from a European standard for psychosocial care, we contribute to a stronger positioning in the future. The impact of this project will make clear that well-structured psychosocial care is not a ‘nice to have’, but a ‘need to have’, for all countries!’
Alongside Grootenhuis, research group leader Dr. Marita Partanen (pediatric neuropsychology) plays an important role in the project by mapping the field together with postdoctoral researcher Lina Münker. Esther van den Bergh (medical psychology), Corina Wouterse (medical social work) and Lenneke Schrier (Academy) contribute to awareness and training development within IMPACT-EU.
Approach
IMPACT-EU aims to advocate for better psychosocial care for all patients and families. To achieve this, the project focuses on practical and sustainable results. This is done through four main actions:
- Developing European consensus for psychosocial care in pediatric oncology to ensure consistent, high-quality support in all countries.
- Mapping psychosocial care across Europe, both inside and outside hospitals, to identify available resources, good practices, and existing gaps.
- Offering training and implementation tools to strengthen the skills and capacity of professionals, both inside and outside hospitals, who provide psychosocial care.
- Conducting a pilot study in five pediatric oncology centers to implement proven effective interventions that reduce medical traumatic stress and promote screening.
International collaboration
IMPACT-EU involves 17 partners from 14 different European countries. Grootenhuis: ‘Within the project, we collaborate with three pediatric oncology centers that are also Twinning partners of Máxima International. In these hospitals, located in Bratislava, Bucharest and Barcelona, we are conducting the pilot study to implement interventions and screening. We therefore also work closely with Máxima International, where our ambitions from IMPACT-EU align seamlessly.’
IMPACT-EU is co-funded by the European Union. SIOP Europe is project coordinator and, together with CCI-Europe and the Princess Máxima Center, is responsible for the project’s implementation. The project involves 17 partners from 14 European countries, including hospitals, universities and patient organisations. It supports the objectives of the EU4Health programme to strengthen healthcare systems and aligns with the priorities of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan: improving the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors, reducing inequalities, and supporting children with cancer.