The Use of Taped Parental Interviews to Improve Communication with Childhood Cancer Families

Abstract

Communication with the parents of children with cancer is essential. Denial of information given, confusion over details, and emotional distress all prevent comprehension by parents. Information-giving sessions were taped and the effect this had on parental contentment and understanding was assessed. The use of simpler language by doctors and repetition of complex information was requested by parents. Those parents who have not reached emotional homeostasis will not absorb what is said to them, but replaying the tapes may assist in overcoming this.

Key Words:

• childhood cancer
• taped parental interviews