Communication in the Pediatric Oncology Setting

Abstract

This chapter discusses communication in the pediatric oncology setting by presenting a case vignette of a 13-year-old boy, Charlie with newly diagnosed Ewing sarcoma. Communication skills and relational abilities are essential core competencies in patient-centered care and are associated with improved patient health outcomes, better patient adherence, fewer malpractice claims, and enhanced satisfaction with care. When caring for pediatric patients, clinicians must not only find ways to effectively communicate with the child or adolescent patient but also engage meaningfully with the parents or caregivers. Healthcare providers communicate information to pediatric patients in a way that is truthful and developmentally appropriate and include them in medical decision-making to the greatest extent possible; however, there is limited guidance about how to translate these recommendations into clinical practice. This lack of guidance results in significant stress for patients, parents, and providers and large variations in care, as each member of the triad may have differing ideas about what their own role and the role of the other members should be. Effective communication with pediatric oncology patients and their caregivers is critical to improving the disease outcome and emotional well-being of these vulnerable patients. In addition, psychosocial clinicians can enhance communication through providing education lo medical providers about carious issues. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)