0.12 CME

Clinical Communication Skills for Pediatrician

المتحدث: الدكتور فيشال بارمار

MBBS, DCH, MRCPCH Fellow in Neonatal Medicine PGPN Bostan Pediatrician Mumbai, India.

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وصف

Clinical communication skills are essential for pediatricians to establish trust and rapport with their patients and their families. Pediatricians should aim to create a warm, welcoming, and non-threatening environment to put children and their families at ease. They should use a collaborative approach and involve patients and families in decision making to promote their engagement and understanding. Regularly seeking feedback from patients and families and making changes to their communication style can help pediatricians continuously improve their clinical communication skills.

ملخص

  • Effective communication involves listening to understand and speaking to explain. Focus on understanding the other person's concerns rather than just providing answers. Communication skills can be divided into several patterns: information giving, breaking bad news, addressing concerns, managing critical incidents, thinking ethically, and education.
  • When taking consent for procedures, verify the parent's understanding. Clearly explain the procedure's purpose, importance, potential outcomes (both positive and negative), risks, alternative options, and address any questions they may have. Always be empathetic, provide appropriate information, summarize the discussion, and obtain a signed consent form.
  • Examples of situations requiring consent include suspected meningitis, complicated nephrotic syndrome requiring biopsy, CT scans for young children needing sedation, and treatment decisions for newborns in the NICU. In the case of HIV positive mothers, asking for consent to test the newborn is necessary. It's critical to explain changes in treatment plans, including the rationale, procedure, potential side effects, and allow time for consideration, especially in non-emergency situations.
  • Long-term conditions, such as diabetes and asthma, require comprehensive education about the disease, triggers, medications, and management strategies. Information should be provided in small, manageable sessions to facilitate better understanding and trust.
  • When interacting with patients and families, start with a formal introduction, identifying yourself and their relationship to the patient. Greet them respectfully. Involve family members or community leaders in discussions, particularly in cultures where medical decisions are often influenced by others. Gauge their prior knowledge, and avoid lengthy monologues, pausing every 30 seconds to check for understanding.
  • During challenging conversations, allow the patient or family to express their concerns without interruption. Show empathy, sympathy, and compassion. Acknowledge their stress and reassure them of your commitment to providing the best possible care, emphasizing your efforts and honesty.
  • Summarize the discussion at the end, highlighting the key points and verify their understanding. Provide reliable sources of information instead of encouraging random online searches. Acknowledge that you will provide updates on their condition, and remember care for the patient is more important than money.

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