Communicating with Children Flashcards
Why is communication important?
Inaccurate diagnosis and inappropriate investigations
Anxiety and distress and possible litigation
Adherence = 19% higher risk of non-adherence in patients of poor communicators
What benefits do doctors with good communications skills experience?
Identify patients’ problems more accurately
Have patients who are more satisfied with care and who adjust better psychologically
Have a greater job satisfaction and less work stress
What are the relevant rights of children and young people in a hospital setting?
Right to respect, dignity and empathy
Right to be safe and protected from all abuse
Right to freedom of expression and to be heard
What are some challenges that a doctor might face in communicating with a child?
Unfamiliar person or situation
Stress, mood, anxiety or fear
Competing or conflicting needs
Past experiences
How should a doctor prepare for talking to a patient?
Plan in advance: Who will you be meeting? Do you have the time you need? Do you have the appropriate facilities? What are you looking to achieve and what may make this difficult?
What must be considered when speaking to a child?
Age of the child, language, developmental stage, additional needs, medical factors (i.e pain), family, subject matter
What should be considered when picking an environment to speak to a child in?
Where are you seeing the child?
Have you set it up in a way which will make the child feel safe?
Do you have access to toys, books etc?
How should you take a history in a paediatric setting?
Introduce yourself to the child, start by speaking to the child, parents may be the main source of the history but make sure to involve the child
What are some features of good listening skills?
Demonstrate active listening
Be tuned in to what is important to the child
How should a consultation be tailored to a paediatric patient?
Make a connection with the child by asking about their interests, avoid jargon and explain in an age appropriate way, look at the problem in the context of that child’s life (i.e are they missing school)
What are some tips for speaking to children?
Be prepared, be interested and encourage initiatives, know about things children are interested in (i.e cartoons), use humour and props, be flexible and opportunistic
What are some useful things to remember when dealing with families?
Come in all shapes and sizes so if useful to know who is who = ask child who they have brought with them
Family members will have their own concerns and ideas
How should adolescent patients be managed?
Establish who they want to have present
Be aware of the complexities of communicating with this age group
Discuss adolescent issues sensitively and openly
What are some features of child protection?
Know how to approach it = explain that it is your duty and job to help keep children safe
Don’t ignore it = discuss with a senior
