Provision of Psychological Services in Hemophilia Treatment Postulated under the Guidelines of the WFH and the GTH—But Also in Demand? Experiences from the Hemophilia Center Bonn

 

Objectives The provision psychological and psychosocial offers for hemophilia patients is postulated under the GTH (Society for Thrombosis and Hemostasis Research) guidelines of 2018 as well as of those of the WFH (World Federation of Hemophilia) for hemophilia centers of the highest category. But are those offers of support still needed as well as demanded, although the medical treatment for hemophilia patients has become very effective and the HIV tragedy dates back more than 30 years? Answers are given on the basis of experiences and data from the Hemophilia Center Bonn.

Methods A psychologist in part-time work (50%) belongs to the treatment team of the Hemophilia Center Bonn since 30 years. Initially implemented on account of the emotional pressure HIV-infected hemophiliacs and their families had to bear, psychosocial work has become a regular part of comprehensive care for a long time. Experiences with this conception and practice of psychosocial support during the last 10 years are evaluated and data concerning the extent of the use and the trend over time are presented.

Results Our provision of psychosocial service is low-threshold and accepted by many patients and relatives. Their concern is manifold and the ways of support are diverse. Meetings differ concerning duration and frequency. The range goes from a single short counseling to long lasting psychotherapy. The extent of the use is stable or even increasing over the entire period of 10 years. This is demonstrated by the way of table and graph.

Discussion Our experience and data illustrate an intense use of the provided psychological and psychosocial services, which is stable over time. Although medical treatment options for hemophiliacs are very good today, it becomes apparent that the need for psychological and psychosocial support is high. However, it is up for debate whether the use of support would be equally strong if it was provided by means of cooperation with an external service provider and not integrated into the regular treatment.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 November 2020

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