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A dozen lessons learned from experience
in the Massachusetts General Hospital
Cancer Center Marjorie E. Korff PACT Program
- Euphemisms lead to confusion.
Name the illness, e.g. "Breast
Cancer," not "lump"
or "boo-boo". Facilitate
honest communication.
- The worst way to hear news
is to overhear it.
Describe what is happening and what
to expect.
- Welcome all questions.
Learn the settings that work best
for each child, e.g. in the car, at
the kitchen table while a parent is
cooking, at bedtime etc.
- Figure out what the real question
is.
"What got you wondering about
...?" The real question is often
easier to answer than the imagined
one.
- Questions do not always require
immediate answers.
"That is such a good question.
I'll need to think about it, or discuss
with my (doctor, nurse, social worker)
and get back to you."
- Children shouldn't worry alone.
"Bring what you hear back home
to us for accuracy". Sometimes
people say unhelpful things with the
kindest intentions.
- Review your child's support
system.
Assign tasks, or a point
person for each child.
- Keep the channels of communication
open with key caregivers.
- Maintain the child's usual
schedule.
Try to preserve some time
for kids to be kids.
- Keep a pulse on each child's
experience.
Find reflective times to
check in about hearing too much/too
little. "What is it like having
..."
- Respect a child's wish not
to talk.
Non-talkers need "News
Bulletins". There is information
that the child needs to hear, but
may not want to discuss.
- Bring support people for hospital
visits.
Adjust visit lengths to the
comfort of the child.
For more information: Call the
PACT program at 617-724-7272 for
individual consultations and concerns.
The PACT program provides an invaluable
service to our patients and families.
And, it is supported entirely by philanthropy.
For more information about how to
help. >>>
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