Quiz and Flashcards on Communicating with Pediatric Patients

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?

Ignore the child's name and focus on the adult.

Introduce yourself to the child first if they are verbally competent. (correct)

Ask the child to call their parent by their first name.

Address adults first regardless if the child is verbal.

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?

Engage in a bit of social chatter or ask non-medical questions to help put the child at ease. Signup and view all the answers

The three important components for effective closure of a patient interview are summarizing, explaining the plan, and ______.

soliciting questions Signup and view all the answers

Active listening involves maintaining distractions such as television or smartphones.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a technique to facilitate communication?

Distraction with devices Signup and view all the answers

What does the RESPECT model stand for in communication?

Rapport, Empathy, Support, Partnership, Explanations, Cultural competence, Trust. Signup and view all the answers

Creating a supportive environment includes using child-size furniture, colorful banners, and ______.

developmentally appropriate toys Signup and view all the answers

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

Explain how feedback will be used to enhance delivery of care
Listen and observe carefully to make sure that what family members are saying is truly what they are feeling### RESPECT Models Overview
Rapport: Initiate conversations with light social interaction to ease tension. Build deeper connections by showing genuine interest in the patient's experiences and perspectives.
Empathy: Understand and acknowledge patients' emotions. Validating their feelings promotes trust and improves communication.
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.
Partnership: Encourage a collaborative approach in decision-making. Adapt to the patient's needs and emphasize teamwork in navigating healthcare choices.
Explanations: Avoid jargon and employ clear verbal communication. Regularly check for comprehension to ensure the patient understands the information provided.
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.
Trust: Understand that some patients may struggle with self-disclosure. Approach their negative emotions with acceptance, honesty, and compassion to foster a trusting relationship.

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.