Stuart Ekberg1, Susan Danby2, Anthony Herbert3, Natalie K Bradford3, Patsy Yates4. 1. Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 2. School of Early Childhood, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 3. Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 4. Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Discussing the potential deterioration of a child who has a life-limiting condition has recognised benefits for future care, but can be challenging in a clinical context where uncertain illness trajectories are common. Existing research is restricted to indirect forms of evidence such as self-report data from clinicians and families. This study directly explores how discussions about deterioration are managed within actual paediatric palliative care consultations. METHODS: 9 consultations were video recorded in an Australian paediatric palliative care service. Each consultation involved the same paediatric palliative care specialist. Conversation analysis was used to identify and explore recurrent ways in which discussions about deterioration came to be realised. FINDINGS: The study identified two communicative practices used by a paediatric palliative care specialist that afforded opportunities to discuss deterioration: (1) soliciting the family's agenda for the consultation; (2) initiating and maintaining topics where discussing deterioration is a relevant possibility. Across these different practices, a common feature was indirect initiation of discussions about deterioration. This approach made such discussions possible, but without mandating or even suggesting that such discussion must occur. CONCLUSIONS: These communicative practices balance the benefit of discussing deterioration against a recognised importance of allowing discussions to be directed by a child's family. This was achieved by creating opportunities for discussing deterioration, without making such discussions necessary. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
OBJECTIVE: Discussing the potential deterioration of a child who has a life-limiting condition has recognised benefits for future care, but can be challenging in a clinical context where uncertain illness trajectories are common. Existing research is restricted to indirect forms of evidence such as self-report data from clinicians and families. This study directly explores how discussions about deterioration are managed within actual paediatric palliative care consultations. METHODS: 9 consultations were video recorded in an Australian paediatric palliative care service. Each consultation involved the same paediatric palliative care specialist. Conversation analysis was used to identify and explore recurrent ways in which discussions about deterioration came to be realised. FINDINGS: The study identified two communicative practices used by a paediatric palliative care specialist that afforded opportunities to discuss deterioration: (1) soliciting the family's agenda for the consultation; (2) initiating and maintaining topics where discussing deterioration is a relevant possibility. Across these different practices, a common feature was indirect initiation of discussions about deterioration. This approach made such discussions possible, but without mandating or even suggesting that such discussion must occur. CONCLUSIONS: These communicative practices balance the benefit of discussing deterioration against a recognised importance of allowing discussions to be directed by a child's family. This was achieved by creating opportunities for discussing deterioration, without making such discussions necessary. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
Entities:
Keywords:
Communication; Family management; Paediatrics; Prognosis
Authors: Stuart Ekberg; Ruth Parry; Victoria Land; Katie Ekberg; Marco Pino; Charles Antaki; Laura Jenkins; Becky Whittaker Journal: BMC Palliat Care Date: 2021-12-08 Impact factor: 3.234
Authors: Katie Ekberg; Stuart Ekberg; Lara Weinglass; Anthony Herbert; Johanna Rendle-Short; Myra Bluebond-Langner; Patsy Yates; Natalie Bradford; Susan Danby Journal: Sociol Health Illn Date: 2022-01-28