Communication in Paediatrics

anaesthesia communication paediatrics Jan 30, 2025

Small talk - the art of communicating with kids ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ๐Ÿ‘ถ

Communicating with paediatrics during Anaesthesia is an artform ๐ŸŽจ - a skill crafted over time with lots of experience ๐Ÿ†. The usual doctor-nurse-patient dynamic changes with the inclusion of a parent or carer ๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ‘ง‍๐Ÿ‘ฆ, which comes with its own particular nuances and considerations โš–๏ธ.

To help develop your paediatric communication skills ๐Ÿง , or refresh the skills you already have, here is a quick guide ๐Ÿ“ to some of the key elements of talking to our littlest patients! ๐Ÿ’ฌ๐Ÿ‘ฆ๐Ÿ‘ง

๐Ÿ”‘ Honesty is key!
Be honest with them, don’t lie or hide truths in an attempt to spare them from fear or anxiety ๐Ÿ˜Ÿ. Honesty builds trust ๐Ÿค and helps develop your rapport with your patient, keeping them calmer in the moment ๐Ÿ˜Œ. Always make sure to speak with them at their eye level ๐Ÿ‘€, in plain, simple language that they can understand ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ.

๐Ÿ’ก Introduce the team:
This might seem obvious ๐Ÿค”, but ensure that your patient has met the team (without masks! ๐Ÿ˜ท), and has a really good understanding of who will be in the room with them ๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍โš•๏ธ๐Ÿ‘จ‍โš•๏ธ and what they will be doing ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ. Encourage your techs and scrub nurses ๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ”ฌ to try and see the patient pre-procedure to introduce themselves ๐Ÿ‘‹

๐ŸŒŸ Prepare them:
Explaining the process of what is about to happen ๐Ÿšถ‍โ™€๏ธ can help children to feel more in control of their situation ๐ŸŽฎ. Pay particular attention to elements that will cause sensory stimulation ๐Ÿง  - for example “there might be a funny smell in the mask ๐Ÿ‘ƒ” or “there will be lots of machines beeping ๐Ÿ””, they are just telling us how healthy you are! ๐Ÿ’š”

๐Ÿ’– Involve their carer:
Make sure that the care person ๐Ÿง‘‍โš•๏ธ understands the details of what will happen ๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ, and clarify any questions they may have โ“. It is important to acknowledge their anxieties ๐Ÿ˜ฐ and concerns to help them remain calm ๐Ÿง˜. Ensure they understand what is expected of them in the situation ๐Ÿค”, and make sure that they are always in the child's line of sight ๐Ÿ‘€ and if possible, providing reassuring touch ๐Ÿคฒ to the child.

๐Ÿงธ A touch of home!
Ask the child if they would like to bring something into the theatre with them ๐Ÿงธ, such as their favourite teddy ๐Ÿงธ or comforter ๐Ÿ›๏ธ. This can provide an added layer of security ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ and comfort to the child during induction ๐Ÿš‘, and can also be immediately available to them post-procedure when they wake up ๐ŸŒ…. It can also be a great way to distract them ๐ŸŒ€!

As children grow, their communication ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ and level of understanding grows with them ๐Ÿ“ˆ, so each interaction needs to be tailored to the child, with special consideration for those who are neurodivergent ๐Ÿง , chronically ill ๐Ÿ’‰, or have had previous unpleasant or traumatic experiences with surgery and anaesthesia โš ๏ธ.

Build Knowledge โœ…
Improve Safety โœ… 

References:

 

Crowe A. L. (2020). Communication skills with children in paediatric anaesthesia: challenges while wearing a face mask. BMJ paediatrics open,https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000846

 

Royal Childrens Hospital (2021) Communicating procedures to children - clinical practice guideline. https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Communicating_procedures_to_families/

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