Embedding Compassion and Communication Frameworks in Pediatric Cardiology.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Healthcare Communication
• Family-Centered Care

Background:

• Compassion and empathy are crucial for family-centered care but are inconsistently applied in clinical practice.
• Congenital heart disease (CHD) requires sensitive communication throughout the patient's life course.
• Gaps in empathic communication negatively impact families and clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on compassion and communication in CHD.
• To identify strategies for enhancing compassionate communication skills.
• To support improved family experiences and clinician resilience.

Main Methods:

• Structured narrative review following SANRA quality criteria.
• Searched PubMed and Google Scholar (2000-2025) for relevant studies.
• Included 31 studies after independent screening and data extraction.

Main Results:

• Compassion improves understanding, parental coping, adherence, and clinician well-being.
• Families experience communication deficits at diagnosis, during intensive care, and throughout the CHD journey.
• Interventions like simulation, counseling aids, and communication frameworks show promise.

Conclusions:

• Compassionate communication is a teachable clinical skill in pediatric cardiology.
• Organizational culture, leadership, and feedback are key enablers.
• Integrating communication training enhances family experience and clinician resilience.