Disclosing Terminal Diagnosis to Children and Their Families

Few studies have fully explored the problem of communication barriers in pediatric palliative care, particularly the detrimental effects of poor interaction between staff and families on children's health and well-being. A literature review was undertaken to expand the current body of knowledge about staff to patient communications. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria (N = 15) were systematically read and summarized using a data extraction sheet. A narrative synthesis identified 5 overarching themes as barriers to communication. Improvements in staff education and individualized palliative care plans for children and their families may help to overcome communication barriers

Family medicine · Health care · Health professionals · Medical education · Narrative · Palliative care · Political science · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Family Support in Illness · Medicine · Nursing · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Psychology · Social Psychology