Physicians’ experiences when communicating the diagnosis of infants’ disability to parents

Authors

  • Valquíria Luisada Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Centro Universitário Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas
  • Geraldo A. Fiamenghi-Jr University of Edinburgh, Centro de Estudos em Psicologia
  • Sueli G. de Carvalho Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie.
  • Elisângela A. Assis-Madeira Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Centro Universitário do Leste de Minas Gerais
  • Silvana M. Blascovi-Assis UNICAMP, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1983-652X.2015.3.21769

Keywords:

diagnosis, disabled infants, emotions, physician-patient relations.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feelings and experiences of physicians when breaking the news of a disability to parents, at the child’s birth, as well as the skills and qualifications to perform that task.
Material and Methods: The qualitative exploratory study used a semi-structured interview. Research was conducted with 10 physicians, obstetricians and neonatologists in São Paulo. Interviews were analyzed and results discussed using three different categories: News, Feelings, and Professional Qualification.
Results: Physicians report difficulties in communicating the parents about their infants’ disabilities and think on different strategies, such as talking to the couple, talking to the mother only; talking immediately after birth, waiting for some time before breaking the news; refer sadness and lack of training while in medical studies.
Conclusion: Inadequate and inefficient approaches were pointed, as well as the lack of skills and difficulties in communicating the news, associated to nonexistence of academic qualification to complete those duties. It is concluded that the main feelings are sadness, anxiety and solidarity, with physical and emotional consequences for the professional, as well as to their parents’ families.

Author Biography

Valquíria Luisada, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Centro Universitário Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas

Enfermeira (UNIFESP), Mestre em Distúrbios do Desenvolvimento (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie).

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Published

2016-01-21

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2015)

Section

Original Articles

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