This is such a beautiful perspective to read from a medical practitioner’s viewpoint, the instinct to protect the child is deeply rooted in care and compassion. I also recognise how strong parental influence can be in these situations, which must put you in a difficult position as a doctor. Thank you for your honest and thought-provoking insights.
I’ve seen how, as a parent, anxiety about a child’s illness can be overwhelming, something leading to the desire to shield them from difficult truths. I have seen how, in trying to protect a child, a parent’s own fear and distress can unintentionally create more confusion, fear and anxiety for them. This makes me wonder, how we can start incorporating more training on communication, particularly around these sensitive conversations. How do we equip healthcare providers with the skills to navigate these discussions in a way that honours both the child’s dignity and the family’s emotions? Although I’m sure this course is going to start giving us a lot of insight into how to approach tough topics like this.