There are many other team members involved in the care of your child during a blood and marrow transplant (BMT)/cellular therapy (CT).
Art therapist
Art therapists are mental health professionals trained in both art and psychology. They have knowledge about the psychological role of the creative process and the impact of using different art materials and techniques. In art therapy sessions, the patients—assisted by the art therapist—use art materials to explore and express thoughts and feelings through creativity. The goal of art therapy is to support the healing process and improve a patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Cell processing specialist
The Cell Therapy Facility is made up of technologists that specialize in the processing and storage of cellular therapy products. They are specially trained in the preparation of bone marrows, apheresis products, cord blood and other cellular therapy products before they are used for patient infusion.
Music therapist
A music therapist is trained to use music to help your child emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually. They may engage your child in singing, writing songs, storytelling, playing instruments, improvising and listening. Music therapy can help the whole person: body, mind and spirit. By making and responding to music, children can receive the following benefits:
- Improved emotional expression
- Improved creative expression
- Decreased pain and anxiety
- Improved relaxation and better sleep
- A more positive hospital stay
Anyone on your child's health-care team can contact the music therapist when your child is admitted to the BMT/CT unit.
Occupational therapist
An occupational therapist (OT) may work with you and your child during your child's hospitalization period for a BMT/CT. OTs are health-care professionals trained to assess and treat any problems your child may have that affect their ability to do everyday tasks. These may include difficulties with:
- eating and swallowing
- playing
- school skills such as handwriting, attention, memory and organization
- self-care skills such as self-feeding, dressing
Patient information clerks
Patient information clerks facilitate the delivery of patient care by providing support and assistance to staff, as well as patients and their families. Patient information clerks can usually be found at the front desk of the BMT/CT unit.
Patient service aide/housekeeping
Patient service aides (PSAs)/housekeepers play a very important role in keeping your child's room and the entire BMT/CT unit clean. Since BMT/CT treatment weakens your child's immune system temporarily, it is important that your child's environment be kept clean. PSAs have a specific schedule to follow to keep your child's room clean. You will need to allow the PSA to enter your child's room daily and keep surfaces clear of clutter so that the PSA can properly clean. Due to the size of the room, keeping surfaces clear of clutter is best done by limiting the number of personal items you keep in your child's room. An area will be provided to you so that you can store your personal items outside of the room.
Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist (PT) is a health-care professional that assesses and treats movement difficulties caused by disease, injury or consequences of medical treatment. In the early stages of recovery, a PT will make recommendations on how your child can keep their joints and muscles moving to help prevent impairments. A PT may be required to help your child with activities such as sitting, standing, walking and climbing stairs. A PT will help your child become as active and independent as possible to return home safely.
Teacher
During their stay in the BMT/CT unit, your child has the opportunity to be connected with a certified Toronto District School Board teacher in the hospital. There are elementary, secondary and French teachers working in the hospital. The teacher will come to your child's room for 40–60 minutes per day for lessons and will liaise with your child's home school to provide consistency. Maintaining your child's schoolwork will help ease their eventual transition back to school.
Therapeutic clown
A therapeutic clown helps to bring laughter and joy to your child while they are being treated in the hospital. The clown engages your child to play and have fun, helping them deal with the stress of medical tests and operations. Therapeutic clowns create a safe space for emotional expression, empowerment and social interaction. They are specially trained to adjust their approach according to the developmental, emotional and physical needs and abilities of the child or youth with whom they are interacting.