Self-understanding and reaching out to sick children and their families: an ongoing professional challenge

Health care professionals face a series of taxing, emotionally wrenching, painful experiences as they begin to care for frightened, ill children and their families. Loss, grief, overidentification with patients, and overwhelming anxiety are among their "occupational hazards." Open, frank discussion of intense feelings and reactions and mutual support are essential elements in helping caregivers to cope in ways that do not result in withdrawal from children and families. By developing strategies that reach out to patients and their families, professionals enhance their own personal professional gratification and self-esteem. The insights of parents are used extensively both to illustrate concepts and to emphasize the critical role parents can play as "resources" for professionals and "partners in care."