Speaking a Different Language: A Qualitative Analysis Comparing Language of Palliative Care and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Physicians.
Anne G Ciriello, Zoelle B Dizon, Tessie W October
PMID 28322074WHAT IT FOUND
Pediatric ICU physicians focused on medical facts and options, while palliative care teams focused on support, quality of life, and normalizing emotions.
ICU statements were often longer and included negative language like hopelessness or provider stress, which palliative teams avoided.
Key findings
01ICU physicians primarily discussed medical information and options, whereas palliative care teams prioritized support, quality of life, and encouraging family engagement.
02ICU statements included four themes absent from palliative care transcripts: prognosticating, hopelessness, insensitivity, and health-care provider challenges.
03ICU physicians produced nearly twice as many statements as palliative care teams, with language described as cumbersome and lengthy compared to the short, supportive statements of palliative care.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Small sample size of only 18 transcripts. Single-center study, limiting generalizability. Only included decision-making conferences, not bedside updates or other communication forms. Transcripts did not clearly identify individual speakers, so the mix of physicians and nurse practitioners in the palliative team could not be separated in analysis.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the lack of negative language in palliative care transcripts as evidence that ICU physicians are insensitive by intent. The study notes that these statements may not be intentional disregard of emotional needs, but rather a different focus on medical facts and provider challenges.