Pediatr Crit Care Me
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Aug 2017
An Intensive, Simulation-Based Communication Course for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellows.
Effective communication among providers, families, and patients is essential in critical care but is often inadequate in the PICU. To address the lack of communication education pediatric critical care medicine fellows receive, the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh PICU developed a simulation-based communication course, Pediatric Critical Care Communication course. Pediatric critical care medicine trainees have limited prior training in communication and will have increased confidence in their communication skills after participating in the Pediatric Critical Care Communication course. ⋯ The Pediatric Critical Care Communication course increased fellow confidence in having difficult discussions common in the PICU. Fellows highly recommend it as part of PICU education. Further work should focus on the course's impact on family satisfaction with fellow communication.
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The death of any child is distressing to parents, family, friends, and healthcare staff alike. However, the close family circle is accorded the right to grieve by society, as the nature of the relationship with the child is acknowledged and socially validated. The relationship between the child and the staff caring for the child is not acknowledged to the same extent, and this may cause difficulties for staff who grieve following the death of the child. This experience is repeated many times when working in the PICU. ⋯ Addressing the cumulative effects of bereavement on the staff in the PICU through formal and informal systems of support may reduce emotional exhaustion, improve staff retention, and enhance the care of children and families.