Communicating with Families in Pediatric Healthcare
Empowering healthcare professionals to be more compassionate and empathetic when interacting with parents of young children.
Few moments carry as much weight and significance as the delivery of news about a child’s potential developmental delay or disability to their parents. It is a challenging task that requires a lot of sensitivity, and empathy. The words we choose, the tone we adopt, and the manner in which we convey this information can shape the trajectory of a family’s journey, having a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.
This Communication Guide document serves as a resource for healthcare professionals entrusted with the task of delivering difficult news to parents of young children.
Intended as a roadmap for effective communication, this guide is informed by best practices and are drawn from the collective wisdom of experts in the field. The guide explores the different aspects of communication, recognizing that delivery of information around potential developmental delays and disability extends beyond the mere conveyance of information.
It includes the emotional well-being of parents, the importance of active listening, and the fostering of open dialogue that honors the unique circumstances and concerns of each family.
Within this document, healthcare professionals will discover guidance on establishing rapport and trust, addressing parental emotions, and empowering parents to actively participate in their child’s care. The guide also emphasizes the importance of ongoing support and follow-up.
This is illustrated with communication examples and scenarios to bring the guide to life and make them more tangible. Healthcare professionals often face limitations due to appointments duration and patient volume, at the same time it is important to follow this guide as much as possible.
We invite healthcare professionals to delve into this document, to absorb the guide
presented, and to adapt them to their unique practice settings.
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