Practical Aspects of Palliative Care Communication

Abstract

Pediatric palliative care clinicians coordinate communication among clinicians, balance providing information to families with the emotional support they need to feel comforted in those decisions, and adapt their mode of communication to “match” the developmental age and capacity of the child, the dynamics of the family, and their cultural and religious dimensions. This chapter explores the importance of communication and provides useful tools to tackle these conversations empathetically. It also delves into communication about goals of care, prognosis, and managing hope. Clinicians can utilize these practical frameworks to improve communication and establish therapeutic alliances with patients and their families.