While working in pediatrics ward during my clinical rotations, I have realised that how difficult it is for parents to convey what their child is going through and the best way we can help them to describe the symptoms can be by understanding their condition and situation:-
They are anxious and helplessâ> we as doctors can help them feel safe and comfortable.
Protective instincts â they are protective and can be very sensitive when it comes to their child.
Need for clear communicationâ> they want explanation in simple and easy words.
Listen to them â listening to them will give them the assurance that you as doctor , really care.
What are your thoughts while dealing with parents and guardians during pediatrics patientâs diagnosis??
While dealing with parents in pediatrics, I prioritize empathy, clear communication, and active listening. Building trust helps ease their anxiety and ensures collaborative care for the childâs accurate diagnosis and treatment.
When kids are sick, the anxiety levels can shoot disproportionately high. I still remember an incidence as a house officer in a reputed hospital in south Delhi. The patient must be a few years old (probably 5 years) and was just admitted. We needed to do a LP. The procedure was explained to the parents and we took the kiddo to the procedure room to perform the spinal tap. My senior resident instructed to close the door as the parents were anxious. While we we were doing the procedure, our attention turned towards the âroshandanâ. Lo and behold, the father was peeping through that. He could not control his nerves and had climbed up to look through that glass pane. Probably he must have got an admonition from my senior, I do not remember the details.
I think this was just a very weird situation even though things were under control. pediactrics#HouseJob#JuniorResident#LP#CSF
They are so concerned about their kids that normal body manners also feel abnormal to them. This makes it essential for us to be gentle, patient, and reassuring, helping them understand whatâs truly important without adding to their anxiety. By showing empathy and clear explanations, we can ease their fears and guide them calmly through the diagnosis and treatment process.
Make them calm.
Talk to them politely.
Ask them to explain what they feel that whatâs happening to the child.
How the child is reacting.
Feeding pattern.
Sleeping pattern.
After the diagnosis, give them instructions about the treatment and management.
A little reassurance goes a long way.
â˘It keeps the parents involved in the cycle of treatment
â˘Their calm and informed behaviour makes space for you to work and carry clinical protocols efficiently.
â˘Asking them to take a small coffee break and stay hydrated and take small naps keeps the overall experience smooth for everyone involved.
I remember when I was posted in the Neonatal ICU, over the night duty, I saw how every father was strolling alone the corridors anxiously and would join their hands and thank me for showing their tiny baby from a 5 m distance, separated by a glass incubator.
Itâs about being their anchor. I think genuinely listening to their fears, explaining things simply, and showing you truly care makes all the difference. Their trust helps us help their child best.
What are your thoughts while dealing with parents and guardians during pediatrics patientâs diagnosis?? 
He could not control his nerves and had climbed up to look through that glass pane. Probably he must have got an admonition from my senior, I do not remember the details.