Family course for children who have had, or are waiting for an organ transplant

The family course is suitable for children 

• who are waiting for, or have had an organ transplant (liver, kidney, heart, lung or intestine transplant), and at least 6 months have elapsed since the transplant. 
• who are under school age or who are in primary school or in lower secondary school. 

The child must also have problems with everyday life at home, in day care or in school due to the illness and the child functions independently enough to be able to participate in an adaptation training course.  

The course is not suitable for children who cannot participate in group-based rehabilitation or who receive dialysis during the day. 

Purpose of the course

The aim of the course is to provide comprehensive information and guidance for the child and the family and to help them live a full and meaningful life despite the child’s organ transplant. Rehabilitation is also a way of strengthening the family’s resources and life management skills as well as a means of providing support for the family and its support networks. It also provides opportunities to meet other families who are in a similar situation.

Content of the course and implementation

The rehabilitation is implemented as group rehabilitation taking each child’s and family’s individual goal and need for rehabilitation into consideration.

The course includes group discussions and working in small groups, a variety of activities as well as individual interviews, meetings and discussions with rehabilitation experts.

The rehabilitation is arranged on the service provider’s premises. The course lasts 5 days. The child’s family accompanies the child throughout the rehabilitation. 1 to 2 adult close relatives and up1 to 2 siblings participate in the family course.  If the child has more siblings aged over 2 years, Kela assesses whether their participation in the course is necessary for the rehabilitation of the child who is the rehabilitation client. Kela will also ask the service provider if they are able to plan and carry out the rehabilitation in a way that makes it possible for several siblings to participate. Siblings under the age of 2 can always participate in the course. 

The service provider contacts the family before and after the rehabilitation.

Course personnel

The course is implemented by the following experts:

• specialist in nephrology, internal medicine or children’s diseases
• registered nurse or public health nurse
• nutritional therapist
• psychologist.

Depending on the family’s individual needs, other rehabilitation professionals and assisting personnel may also take part.

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