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Conflicting goals and obligations: Tensions affecting communication in pediatric oncology

Bryan A Sisk1, Ginny Schulz1, Erica C Kaye2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Patient Education and Counseling
|May 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric oncology clinicians face communication tensions with parents, balancing hope with honesty and disclosure with reassurance. Addressing these challenges is crucial for effective care and preventing burnout.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Clinical Communication
  • Healthcare Professional Well-being

Background:

  • Effective communication is vital in pediatric oncology.
  • Clinicians and psychosocial professionals navigate complex communication dynamics with parents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and describe the tensions experienced by clinicians and psychosocial professionals during communication with parents in pediatric oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted 10 focus groups with nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and psychosocial professionals at two US institutions.
  • Utilized thematic analysis to examine communication challenges and tensions with parents.

Main Results:

  • Identified five key themes of tension: balancing hope vs. honesty, disclosure vs. reassurance, relationship building vs. boundaries, role adherence vs. sensitive information, and validation vs. honesty.
  • Tensions arose from conflicting communication goals or between communication goals and other professional obligations.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians and psychosocial professionals experience significant tensions impacting communication in pediatric oncology.
  • Some tensions may be mitigated through interventions and education, while others require further investigation for practical guidance.
Abstract

Keywords:
BarriersBioethicsCommunicationPediatric cancerPhysician-patient relationshipPsychosocial oncologySupportive care

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