[Elianna de Clercq]

#89572

1. Teamwork
I believe a strong healthcare team will share the purpose to promote the care of their patient and their parents, despite differences they may have. It will be a team that recognizes and respects each unique role. I imagine a spiritual worker will be responsible for advocating for the parents and child’s religious/ spiritual needs to be met despite current treatment. Especially if they would want to perform certain rituals related to their religion. A nurse will provide routine care and medication as prescribed to the doctor, where I believe the doctor will typically take lead in determining the trajectory and course of the illness, and prescribe medical treatment as appropriate. I believe the therapy team (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, music therapists, play therapists etc.) play an essential role in managing pain of the child, promoting play and age-appropriate engagement, facilitating bonding experiences and providing support in discharge planning/ home programmes. They may also provide suggestions on assistive devices to support the caregivers, ensure positioning that will prevent pressure sore development and overall advocate for the patient and their parents to continue experiencing a good quality of life.

2. Self-care
I enjoy spending time with our family’s dogs. We have a schnauzer whom I love to hug and a black labrador that is basically our family’s therapy dog. Then, this may sound funny, but I find deep pressure comforting. So I enjoy tight hugs from my loved ones, or even just their weight on me when being close to them. I also enjoy a good and warm shower at the end of the day.
I believe self-care is essential in paediatric palliative care. (Maybe so important it should be in the job description!) I believe that if you work in paediatric palliative care, that you must always be mindful of burnout and caregiver fatigue. It is a unique grief experience to loose a patient, not to mention a child. Seeing others suffer, without a doubt will influence your own mental health.

One thing I tend to do in difficult situations, especially in cases where the patient or family member is severely ill, is to sit next to the caregiver. To sit next to someone, or hold a person’s shoulder, just has a unique affect on the situation. It feels almost more dignifying and authentic. I also enjoy singing or humming to severely ill children during treatment (during an occupational therapy session).

• This topic was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Elianna de Clercq.

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