Exploration of Parent-Provider Communication During Clinic Visits for Children With Chronic Conditions

The purpose of this study was to explore the communication behaviors demonstrated by parents of children with chronic conditions and provider team members when communicating about the child's care in outpatient clinics using concepts from the Theory of Shared Communication (TSC).

This was a secondary data analysis of 30 previously recorded pediatric clinic visits. Communication among parents and provider team members was analyzed using a researcher-developed coding scheme based on the TSC.

Provider team members dominated communication during clinic visits, showing more frequent use of asking, explaining, advocating, and negotiating behaviors than parents. Parents were engaged in communication with frequent asking, explaining, and advocating behaviors.

Parents of children with chronic conditions and multidisciplinary providers demonstrated the communication behaviors of the TSC in an outpatient clinic setting. Provider dominance of communication in the clinic setting may disempower parents and impair relationships.