Educational Media Reviews Online

Difficult Conversations in Pediatric Palliative Care opens with an Introduction of personal testimonials from parents who have been the recipient of unpleasant news about their children in a hospital setting. This sets the stage for a “semi-dramatized” encounter between parents of a 5-yr. old boy who is comatose and unresponsive after a drowning incident, and the nurse and physician treating him. The parents are portrayed by actors (and very good ones at that)—the nurse and physician are clinicians learning how to handle a difficult conversation. They are all part of the Program to Enhance Relational and Communication Skills at Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

A team made up of physicians, nurses, and parents watches the encounter on closed circuit television. The two clinicians meet with the group after the encounter for a detailed critique of their conversation and behavior. The two actors are also brought in to give their perspective. Every aspect of their scenario is discussed and analyzed. This approach proves helpful not only for the clinicians, but for the team members as well. Everyone learns from each other, gaining perspective and guidance for better communication in these trying situations.

Since it only provides one conversation scenario, and only highlights one hospital communication program, the video is too brief to really delve into the issue with any depth. It would have been interesting to see a few other variations in medical situations and how they were handled by different people. However, it will function well as a discussion starter for a wide spectrum of health sciences classes at the college level, and is recommended in that capacity.