Parent communication with care teams and preparation for family meetings in the paediatric cardiac ICU: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: The paediatric cardiac ICU presents unique challenges to optimal communication practices, which may impact participation in medical decision-making and long-term psychosocial outcomes for families. This study characterised parent perceptions of (1) team practices that impeded or facilitated communication and (2) preparation for family meetings with interprofessional care teams during extended cardiac ICU admissions. METHODS: A purposive sample of parents of children admitted to the cardiac ICU was selected to participate in interviews about their communication experiences. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Twenty-three parents of 18 patients participated with an average length of stay of 55 days at the time of interview. Team practices that impeded communication included inaccurate/incomplete communication, inconsistent within team communication/coordination, and feeling overwhelmed by too many team members/questions. Team practices that facilitated communication included valuing parent preferences, provider continuity, explaining jargon, and eliciting questions. Preparation for family meetings included team practices, parental preferences, and experiences when learning about family meetings (including apprehension about meetings). Family meetings were described as valued opportunities to improve communication. CONCLUSION: Communication with medical teams represents a modifiable determinant of long-term outcomes for families of children in the cardiac ICU. When parents are included as valued members of their child's care team, they are more likely to feel a sense of control over their child's outcomes, even in the face of prognostic uncertainty. Family meetings represent an important opportunity to repair fractures in trust between families and care teams and overcome barriers to communication between parties.

A commitment to Radiology: How Medical Students Can Navigate Through the Increased Competitiveness of Diagnostic Radiology.

In recent years, diagnostic radiology has become increasingly competitive leaving many applicants seeking to increase the strength of their applications. This paper aims to help inform future radiology applicants on how to prepare for a successful match into radiology. Using data from previous match cycles and from the radiology community, we provide recommendations on how to demonstrate commitment to radiology through creating interest groups, leading changes in their academic curriculums, becoming involved in local and national organizations, performing research, networking with fellow radiology colleagues, and seeking mentorship. In conclusion, this paper provides recommendations for medical students to enhance their competitiveness and increase the chances of matching into a competitive field.