It helps a great deal when the hospital staff is honest with parents about what the child is going to experience and gives them some choices about how they can be involved. It is especially important to avoid unintentionally splitting the child and parent. Attempting to make friends with the child when the parent is not around is likely to make the parent more upset and may make the child feel guilty as well. When conflicts do arise, it is important to recognize that both parties contribute. The physician needs to consider the reasons behind the parent's complaints and whether his or her own personal sensitivities or behaviors may be exacerbating the situation.
Communication is critical.
Making a genuine effort to listen to the parent's concerns and taking action to address these concerns is a good first step. Sometimes it helps to refocus the attention on the child's needs. Health care professionals should recognize that changes in nursing or resident staff are difficult for families. Both children and their families often feel a loss when staff members whom they like and trust leave and they need time to get used to new people who may have different ways of doing things. This is especially difficult in stressful times and in unfamiliar environments.