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'I've got tummy ache in my head'. Communicating with sick children
1Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London.
Paediatric Nursing
|June 8, 1999
Insights
Effective communication minimizes trauma in hospitalized children. Alternative communication methods are crucial when verbalization is impossible, reducing fear and misunderstanding.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Health Communication
Background:
- Illness and hospitalization can be traumatic for children.
- Effective communication is vital for mitigating negative psychological effects.
Observation:
- Verbal communication may be impaired in some pediatric patients.
- Misconceptions and fears can arise from communication barriers.
Findings:
- Appropriate and effective communication strategies reduce child trauma.
- Establishing alternative communication channels is essential when verbalization is not possible.
- Two-way communication minimizes misunderstandings and frustration.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should prioritize tailored communication approaches for children.
- Implementing alternative communication tools can improve patient experience and reduce anxiety.
- Early establishment of communication pathways is key to positive pediatric healthcare outcomes.
Abstract:
The traumatic effects of illness and hospitalisation on the child can be minimised with appropriate and effective communication, both with and from the child. When verbal communication is not possible, alternative means of communicating must be set up as soon as feasible, to establish a two-way channel, thus reducing the likelihood of misconceptions, misunderstandings, and unnecessary fears and frustrations.