Breaking Bad News to Families of Dying Children: A Paediatrician’s Perspective

Abstract

“The death of a loved one is a highly emotional and stressful experience for families and the death of a child, in particular, is one of the most painful bereavements for families and also for professional care givers.” (Stevens, 2004) According to Fallowfield, “The physicians’ behavior and communication of caring and competence at the end of life are known to have a major influence on the ability of patients and families to assimilate the news, consider options, and adapt and adjust to what lies ahead.” (Fallowfield, 2004) It follows therefore that communication at the end of a paeditaric patient’s life is an important area of general paediatric practice.