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Functions of communication during emergency care of children with medical complexity

Caregiver perspectives

Published Date: 12.1.2025

View Publication

Theme: Service systems

Sub-theme: Health care services

International publication USA Health care services Lived experience Carer recognition Qualitative study Thematic analysis

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Service systems

Sub-theme: Health care services

View Publication International publication USA Health care services Lived experience Carer recognition Qualitative study Thematic analysis

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Functions of communication during emergency care of children with medical complexity

Caregiver perspectives

Published Date: 12.1.2025

  • Author/ Authors

    Julia A. Ciurria , Jennifer Reyes Lin, Cassandra M. Pruitt , Bryan A. Sisk

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    Ciurria, J. A., Lin, J. R., Pruitt, C. M., & Sisk, B. A. (2025). Functions of Communication During Emergency Care of Children with Medical Complexity: Caregiver Perspectives. Patient Education and Counseling, 134, 108667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2025.108667

Long Summary

This study examined carers’ communication experiences when seeking emergency care for children with medical complexity. Carers’ perspectives reflected eight core communication functions, including building relationships, exchanging information, validating expertise, and involving them in decision-making. While some positive interactions were reported, many described feeling unheard or dismissed. The findings suggest that using this communication framework can help emergency clinicians better support carers’ needs.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • Carers of children with medical complexity frequently report communication challenges in emergency settings.
  • Recognition of carers’ expertise is essential in emergency care for children with medical complexity.
  • Support for managing uncertainty and decision fatigue is a critical component of emergency care.

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • Embedding a structured communication framework can strengthen care quality and trust in emergency services.
  • Policy initiatives should prioritise training and systems that support relationship-building, information-sharing, and inclusive decision-making in emergency settings.
  • Carer expertise is central in emergency care for children with medical complexity and should be recognised.

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.