Communication between neonatologists and parents when prognosis is uncertain

Title

Communication between neonatologists and parents when prognosis is uncertain

Creator

Drach L L; Hansen D A; King T M; Sibinga E M S

Publisher

Journal of Perinatology

Date

2020

Subject

communication; neonatologists; parents; pediatrics; quality of life

Description

OBJECTIVE: When an infant's prognosis is uncertain, communication between neonatologists and parents surrounding goals of care and decision-making can be challenging. This qualitative study explored communication between neonatologists and parents to discover qualities which may enhance or impede parent-clinician partnership under such difficult circumstances. STUDY DESIGN: Guided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Patient Centered Communication framework, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted and analyzed regarding neonatologist and parent perceptions of their communication. Subjects consisted of nine dyads of neonatologists and English-speaking parents whose infant had an uncertain prognosis. RESULTS: Parents were overall satisfied with neonatologists' communications concerning their infant's uncertain trajectory. Nonetheless, both experienced challenges and distress during communication, impeding collaboration and engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Families and neonatologists value principles of patient centered communication but report challenges implementing this practice. Incorporating a multidisciplinary approach in settings of prognostic uncertainty to foster patient centered communication, may enhance communication surrounding NICU care.

Rights

Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).

Citation List Month

July 2020 List

Collection

Citation

Drach L L; Hansen D A; King T M; Sibinga E M S, “Communication between neonatologists and parents when prognosis is uncertain,” Pediatric Palliative Care Library, accessed March 18, 2024, https://pedpalascnetlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/17131.