Module 3:Communication

CCEENNLLEEEnd-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium

Pediatric Palliative Care

CCEENNLLEE Pediatric Palliative Care

CCEENNLLEE Pediatric Palliative Care

The Power of Words

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me”

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Myths of Communication

Communication is deliberate Words mean the same to BOTH the

speaker and listener Verbal communication is primary Communication is one way Can’t give too much information Silence should always be filled

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Why/How is CommunicationImportant?

Imparting necessary information for informed decision making

Requires interdisciplinary collaboration

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Tasks of Communication

Interpersonal relationship building Mutual respect Trust Empathy

Information exchange Collaborative decision making

Sobo, 2004

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Methods of Communication

Verbal Nonverbal Written Play

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Health Care Professionals Communication Barriers

Feeling “like a failure” Anger Spiritual concerns Fear of own mortality Lack of education Ethical issues

Hurwitz et al., 2004

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How to Resolve Conflict

Take a step back Identify your own emotions Define the conflict Obtain agreement Talk about it

Buckman, 2001; Jeffrey, 2010

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Interpersonal Skills for Good Communication

Listening Clear, timely, relevant information Shared goal setting Conflict resolution skills Sensitivity Personal awareness Age appropriate communication

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Listening

Occurs at 5 levels Hearing Understanding Retaining information Analyzing Actively empathize

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Attentive Listening

Encourage them to talk

Silence Acknowledge

feelings

Buckman, 2001

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Family Factors Influencing Communication

Child/Family Unit Family systems Need for hope Interpretation of information Nonverbal communication

Rabow et al., 2004

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Family Factors Influencing Communication (cont.)

Siblings Anxiety Loss Guilt/shame/blame Plan of care for siblings

Stevens, 2004

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Family Factors Influencing Communication (cont.)

Financial/educational Physical

limitations/environment Language/communication

ability

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Family Factors Influencing Communication (cont.)

Coping with loss Anticipatory grieving Anger Fear Spirituality Family dynamics Conspiracy of silence Denial