McCubbin et al (2002) identify three main
components of support required from the multidisciplinary team: providing reassurance and
realistic hope, making information and assistance
readily accessible, and showing respect for parents.
It is important to recognise that, given the
complexity of problems experienced by the child
with cancer and the family, each professional,
whether from statutory or voluntary organisations
(box 1), brings their own skills and expertise. the
composition of teams, who will be working across
care settings with the aim of ensuring seamless care,
may vary depending on the child’s illness, stage of
illness and individual family need (NICE 2005).