Reassuring and talking with hospitalized children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Child Health Communication

Background:

• Discussing emotional topics with ill children is challenging.
• Healthcare professionals need structured communication strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a flexible, sequential approach for discussing emotional topics with ill/hospitalized children and adolescents.
• To provide a model easily accepted and utilized by healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• An eclectic, theoretical model was developed.
• The approach includes: identification of affect, rapport building, opening channels for emotional communication, and reassurance.

Main Results:

• The approach is flexible and sequential.
• It has been easily accepted and utilized by healthcare professionals.
• The model facilitates communication of emotions in pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

• A structured, eclectic model can effectively guide healthcare professionals in discussing emotional topics with pediatric patients.
• This approach supports improved emotional communication and reassurance for hospitalized children and adolescents.