The Relationship between Pediatric Oncologists and Parents of Their Patients

• Published in: The Japanese Journal of Pediatric Hematology Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 123 - 128
• Main Author: SAIKI-CRAIGHILL, Shigeko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: THE JAPANESE SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY 2002; 特定非営利活動法人 日本小児血液・がん学会
• Subjects: doctor-parent relationship; pediatric oncology; physician's role; physician-patient communication
• ISSN: 0913-8706; 1884-4723
• DOI: 10.11412/jjph1987.16.123

It is very important for pediatric oncologists to develop a good relationship with the parents of cancer patients. This is because the relationship affects even the family's grieving process if the child does not survive. If the relationship between the oncologists and the parents was good, it is easier for parents to adjust to the death of their child. However, this is not always the situation. In this essay, I discuss several issues that affect this relationship, including the sensitivity with which the first medical consultation is conducted ; how explanations are given to patients ; how much attention is given to family members and siblings ; patient education ; the sharing of deliberations on treatment decisions ; emotional support ; terminal care ; and teamwork.