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. 2025 Apr 1;27(2):87-93.
doi: 10.1097/NJH.0000000000001099. Epub 2025 Jan 27.

Communication Preferences in Pediatric Palliative Care: Insights From Caregivers and Specialists-A Central-Eastern European Perspective

Teodora Mathe, Nicoleta Mitrea, Camelia Ancuta, Carrie Cormack, Liliana Rogozea

Communication Preferences in Pediatric Palliative Care: Insights From Caregivers and Specialists-A Central-Eastern European Perspective

Teodora Mathe et al. J Hosp Palliat Nurs. .

Abstract

Effective communication is crucial in pediatric palliative care and is essential to facilitate shared decision making between families and the health care team. This study explored the communication preferences of caregivers and health care specialists in Central-Eastern Europe, a region with unique cultural and health care dynamics. Through qualitative interviews, key communication style preferences and barriers were identified. The results affirm that caregivers need thorough information about their child's illness, symptoms, therapeutic options, and care plans. Pediatric palliative care specialists must deliver this information competently and compassionately. Both caregivers and specialists showed common preferences for clear, timely, and empathetic communication. However, specialists faced challenges in finding time within institutional frameworks to meet these communication needs effectively. These findings highlight the need for pediatric palliative care policies and practices that enable specialists to engage in meaningful, culturally sensitive communication, aligning with caregiver preferences while navigating health care system constraints to enhance caregiver satisfaction and improve patient outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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