Op Koers: Groepscursussen psycho-educatie en vaardigheidstraining voor chronisch zieke kinderen

Objective. This article reports 1) the set-up of a cognitive-behavioral based group intervention for children with different chronic diseases, and 2) research that has been done to determine the effectiveness of this group intervention. Methods. Based on principles from cognitive behavior therapy and information from previous research about children's experiences with coping with a chronic disease we developed an intervention to be used for children and adolescents with a chronic disease. The program, called Op Koers, wim six sessions for different age groups, was evaluated by standardized and researcher-developed psychological measures. Results. The data of 109 patients could be used in the first study on the effects of the psycho-educational intervention. Improvements in behavioral-emotional outcomes, social competence, information seeking, relaxation and positive thinking were found both in short and medium term. Conclusions. The Op Koers program appears to have a significant and positive impact on the wellbeing of chronically ill children. Implementation and further research is needed to establish the effects of the intervention.