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"What if?": Addressing uncertainty with families
Jennifer M Snaman1,2, Angela M Feraco1,2, Joanne Wolfe1
1Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|March 9, 2019
Summary
Pediatric cancer patients and families face uncertainty. Clinicians can reduce distress by discussing "what if" scenarios, exploring fears, and understanding care goals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Clinical Communication
- Psychosocial Oncology
Background:
- Children with cancer and their families experience significant uncertainty during treatment.
- Effective communication is crucial for managing patient and family distress.
- Clinicians often avoid discussing future uncertainties, termed 'what ifs,' potentially increasing anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a framework for facilitating 'what if' conversations between clinicians and families of children with cancer.
- To enhance providers' ability to address families' informational and emotional needs.
- To improve prognostic understanding and align care with patient/family goals.
Main Methods:
- Development of a structured communication framework for 'what if' discussions.
- Focus on exploring families' worries, fears, and informational needs.
- Guidance for clinicians on addressing prognostic uncertainty and care preferences.
Main Results:
- The framework provides a structured approach to discussing anticipated future events.
- It enables clinicians to explore families' concerns and emotional responses.
- Potential to improve prognostic understanding and shared decision-making.
Conclusions:
- Implementing 'what if' conversations can help manage uncertainty in pediatric cancer care.
- This communication strategy supports families' informational and emotional needs.
- The framework aids in aligning medical care with family values and goals.