What Did You Say? 2023

Involving the Family

Through using simple, comforting phrases such as “I’ll be here with you the whole time”, “I will keep you safe”, and “I won’t let anything bad happen to you” when appropriate, both patients and their families will leave with a more positive impression of their experience. Motivation Not every pediatric patient is likely to comply, despite all efforts to implement previously discussed methods. Though not to be relied upon consistently, offering a child a small token, such as a sticker or toy, in exchange for their cooperation is often effective and can help to reduce costly delays in patient care. In addition, reverse psychology can be a valuable tool when used to motivate young children to cooperate with an examination or transportation to the OR suite; however, it is important not to shame the child or act in a way which may upset the child. Additionally, a child’s desire to appear competent and mature can also be used as a form of reinforcement and motivation, either while complying with an examination, or when reluctant to do so. If a pediatric patient is compliant with an examination, phrases such as “Wow! Those ARE some deep breaths; you really must be a big kid!” can provide the child with a sense of fulfillment in having cooperated and encourage further behavior of the same type. However, if a child remains apprehensive, statements such as “Since you are a big kid, I bet you can take some deep breaths! You can? Show me!” can help to get an examination back on track and allow it to be completed in an efficient manner. Conclusion In conclusion, effective communication in the perioperative setting is crucial for the optimal care of pediatric patients and their families. The use of plain language, appropriate terminology, and visual aids can all help to improve understanding, reduce anxiety, and ultimately lead to improved outcomes. Clinicians should also consider the unique characteristics of the pediatric patient, such as their developmental stage and the importance of involving parents

and caregivers in the communication process. By adopting evidence-based best practices for pediatric communication in the perioperative setting, clinicians can provide safer and higher quality care for their patients. With all of this in mind, we have identified several key concepts which should be contemplated during every encounter with a pediatric patient and their family.

Involving a child’s family in the medical communication and decision-making process is critical to the pediatric patient’s care. Parents and other caregivers may often provide essential information about the child’s medical history, preferences, and concerns, while also helping to explain medical information and offer emotional support. If a pediatric patient refuses to answer due to being shy, stoic, or afraid, have the parent rephrase the question and ask the patient directly. Most young children trust their parents to care for them and act in their best interests, so using a parent to bridge communication between a physician and their child is a tremendously valuable method of obtaining necessary medical information and building rapport. In addition to the challenges presented by developmental stages and neurological differences, a language barrier is one of the most frustrating and often encountered communication hurdles for both physicians and their patients. As such, having a parent present is especially helpful and important for pediatric patients with limited English proficiency, as they can help to provide both clarity and human connection. If translation by a trusted family member is not feasible or appropriate, it is essential to make use of in-person interpretation or a remote translation service whenever possible to ensure the efficiency of communication and help to reduce medical errors. Additionally, the simple act of trying to speak a patient’s native language can do wonders for building rapport, and make the physician appear less alien to patients and their families. When involving the family, it is of the utmost importance that a physician considers the child’s subjective experience of their own symptoms in their own words, even if their parents have already answered for them. The physician can use the sum of the information gathered to collectively formulate an appropriate assessment and plan. Patients and their families are likely to feel a wide range of potentially adverse emotions while under the care of a provider or health care team. Hence, if a parent or their child appears to be uneasy, it is essential that the physician be warm and supportive.

In summary:

1. Build Trust and Rapport 2. Use Age-Appropriate Communication 3. Provide Clear and Consistent Information 4. Use Nonverbal Communication 5. Involve the Family 6. Motivate the child’s desire to exert control By incorporating these strategies into perioperative care, clinicians can facilitate effective communication, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce the risk of medical errors due to poor communication.