Questions and Answers
Why do pediatricians need communication skills?
Because communicating with children is more complicated than with adults, as children may lack comprehension and may not effectively express their issues.
What should a physician do during introductions?
It is appropriate to address a child's parent as 'Mom' or 'Dad'.
False
What is an effective way to start a conversation with a child?
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The three important components for effective closure of a patient interview are summarizing, explaining the plan, and ______.
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Active listening involves maintaining distractions such as television or smartphones.
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Which of the following is NOT a technique to facilitate communication?
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What does the RESPECT model stand for in communication?
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Creating a supportive environment includes using child-size furniture, colorful banners, and ______.
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Study Notes
Communication with Pediatric Patients
Why Pediatricians Need Communication Skills
- Pediatricians need communication skills because communicating with children is more complicated than with adults
- Children lack the level of comprehension required to properly explain their problems
- Pediatricians need to communicate efficiently to overcome fear, anxiety, and lack of understanding
Involving the Child in the Conversation
- Physicians should involve children in discussions about their care, including feelings and decision-making
- Physicians can say, "Tell me about what's going on. How do you feel about your upcoming surgery?"
- Physicians should address the child by name and ask about their thoughts and feelings
Starting the Conversation
- Physicians should introduce themselves and address the patient and family members by name
- Physicians should ask the patient about their concerns and reasons for the visit
- Physicians should explain the plan and summarize the conversation
The Conversation
- Physicians should make a conscious effort to keep children actively involved in discussions about their care
- Physicians should give children time to answer questions and avoid interrupting
- Physicians should ask open-ended questions and encourage the child to voice their own thoughts and opinions
Closing the Conversation
- Physicians should summarize the conversation to ensure understanding
- Physicians should explain the plan and next steps
- Physicians should solicit questions and concerns from the patient and family
Techniques to Facilitate Communication
- Touch: gentle, loving contact can provide emotional support and comfort
- Physical Proximity and Environment: create a supportive environment with child-size furniture, colorful decorations, and age-appropriate toys
- Listening: eliminate distractions, maintain eye contact, and use active listening skills like reflection and clarification
- Empathy: acknowledge and validate the patient's feelings
- Impartiality: remain neutral and non-judgmental
- Visual Communication: use eye contact, facial expressions, and body language to convey attention and interest
- Tone of Voice: use a soft, smooth voice to comfort and reassure
Family-Centered Communication
- Include all involved family members in communication
- Encourage families to write down their questions and remain non-judgmental
- Give families both verbal and nonverbal signals that send a message of availability and openness
- Respect and encourage feedback from families
- Recognize that families come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and generations
Conflict Management
- Understand the parents' perspective
- Determine a common goal and stay focused on it
- Listen actively for better understanding of the actual and implied message
- Avoid blaming and pointing fingers
- Summarize the decision and identify who is responsible for follow-up
Feedback from Children and Families
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Explain how feedback will be used to enhance delivery of care
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Listen and observe carefully to make sure that what family members are saying is truly what they are feeling### RESPECT Models Overview
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Rapport: Initiate conversations with light social interaction to ease tension. Build deeper connections by showing genuine interest in the patient's experiences and perspectives.
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Empathy: Understand and acknowledge patients' emotions. Validating their feelings promotes trust and improves communication.
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Support: Identify and discuss potential barriers to care. Offer assistance not only to the patient but also to their family, ensuring they feel supported and understood.
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Partnership: Encourage a collaborative approach in decision-making. Adapt to the patient's needs and emphasize teamwork in navigating healthcare choices.
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Explanations: Avoid jargon and employ clear verbal communication. Regularly check for comprehension to ensure the patient understands the information provided.
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Cultural Competence: Recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of patients. Avoid making assumptions; instead, ask questions to understand how culture influences their feelings and behaviors.
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Trust: Understand that some patients may struggle with self-disclosure. Approach their negative emotions with acceptance, honesty, and compassion to foster a trusting relationship.
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Description
This quiz covers the importance of effective communication skills for pediatricians when interacting with children. It highlights the challenges of communicating with children and strategies for involving them in conversations about their health.