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Rapa E, Hanna JR, Pollard T, Santos-Paulo S, Gogay Y, Ambler J, Namukwaya E, Kavuma D, Nabirye E, Kemigisha RM, Namyeso J, Brand T, Walker L, Neethling BG, Downing J, Ziebland S, Stein A, Dalton LJ. Exploring the experiences of healthcare professionals in South Africa and Uganda around communicating with children about life-threatening conditions: a workshop-based qualitative study to inform the adaptation of communication frameworks for use in these settings. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064741. [PMID: 36707115 PMCID: PMC9884929 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore how published communication frameworks could be amended to ensure applicability and cultural appropriateness for professionals to support family-centred conversations by investigating' healthcare professionals' (1) experiences of providing support to families when a caregiver or a dependent child (<18 years old) has a life-threatening condition, (2) perceived challenges for caregivers and healthcare professionals in communicating with children about illness, (3) perceptions of how clinicians could be equipped to facilitate conversations between caregivers and children about an adult or the child's own life-threatening condition and (4) suggestions for amendments to previously published guidelines to ensure cultural relevance in South Africa and Uganda. DESIGN A qualitative study involving two 2-day workshops with embedded focus group discussions, break out rooms and consensus discussions. SETTING Health and social care and third sector organisations in South Africa and Uganda. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-two professionals providing care to families affected by life-threatening conditions in South Africa or Uganda who were aged 18 years or older and able to converse in English. RESULTS Participants identified obstacles to having conversations with caregivers about children and to telling children about serious illness during consultations. These included patients' beliefs about illness, medicine and death, language barriers between families and the healthcare team, and emotional and practical challenges for professionals in having these conversations. Culturally appropriate adaptations were made to previously published communication frameworks for professionals to support family-centred conversations. CONCLUSIONS Culturally sensitive communication frameworks could help healthcare professionals to talk with families about what children need to know when they or a caregiver have a serious illness. More broadly, effective communication could be facilitated by promoting healthcare professionals' and communities' understanding of the benefits of telling children about illness within the family. Together these strategies may mitigate the psychological impact of global disease on children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Rapa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Jeffrey R Hanna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Teresa Pollard
- Psychological and Mental Health Services, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | | | - Yasmin Gogay
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Julia Ambler
- Department of Paediatrics, Nelson Mandela Medical School, Durban, South Africa
- Umduduzi - Hospice Care for Children, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - David Kavuma
- Department of Health Sciences, Mildmay Uganda Institute of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Tracey Brand
- Umduduzi - Hospice Care for Children, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Beverley G Neethling
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Julia Downing
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- International Palliative Care Network, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sue Ziebland
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alan Stein
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Louise J Dalton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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Walker L, Sivell S. Breaking bad news in a cross-language context: A qualitative study to develop a set of culturally and linguistically appropriate phrases and techniques with Zulu speaking cancer patients. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2081-2088. [PMID: 35193783 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breaking bad news (BBN) in healthcare is common. Guidelines abound but little is documented in an African context. We wanted to describe Zulu speaking patients' BBN experience and assess their opinions of internationally recommended techniques. METHODS BBN techniques were highlighted from the literature using systematic review methods. Semi-structured focus group interviews with Zulu speaking cancer patients were conducted. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis. RESULTS Language concordance was central - regardless of whether this necessitated a nurse acting as translator. While non-abandonment, empathy and maintenance of hope was valued by participants, an oft-expressed belief in positive outcomes accounted for mixed responses to phrases implying ambiguity. In contrast, "I wish" phrases were appreciated. Silence received mixed responses with a strong dislike for silence as a front for non-disclosure. CONCLUSION Language-related concerns dictated the bulk of participants BBN perspectives. While cultural and linguistic differences exist, good communication skills, empathy and the maintenance of hope remain central. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS BBN in a language in which the patient is fluent, whether mediated or not, should be the standard of care. Cultural and linguistic variance must be born in mind and clinicians should become familiar with the preferences of the communities they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Walker
- Cardiff University, Wales, UK; Greys Hospital, Private Bag 9001, Pietermaritzburg 3200, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
| | - Stephanie Sivell
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
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Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Comparing what South African healthcare providers communicate to patients at the point of diagnosis against international guidelines. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 101:106399. [PMID: 31698264 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The process of communicating a diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) has been widely studied internationally and found to be an important factor in the reduction of symptoms as well as promoting the uptake of treatment. To date, no research has focused on diagnosis communication in the South African context. This study used applied thematic analysis to explore the content addressed by a sample of 11 South African healthcare providers (HCPs) when presenting a diagnosis of PNES to a patient. The purpose was to investigate the areas of alignment between the international guidelines and what is done in practice and to identify other elements communicated by South African HCPs that were not addressed in the guidelines. The key communication elements described in five international guidelines were grouped into nine main themes, and coding frequencies were used to identify areas of alignment. In general, the practices of the participants aligned closely to the international guidelines. There was close alignment between the guidelines and the practices of HCPs in respect of six themes, namely: that the diagnosis was not epilepsy; how the diagnosis was made; that PNES was a real, debilitating condition; an explanation of possible causes and maintaining factors; that antiepileptic drugs are not effective in treating PNES; and a description of appropriate treatment. Participants suggested four additional subthemes that may be included when presenting a diagnosis: what to do in the event of future seizures; that further investigations are not helpful; enquiry into the link between stressors and seizures; and a discussion about comorbid conditions. Participants noted the value of utilizing a guideline as a means to ensure that all HCPs involved with a patient communicate a consistent message. They emphasized that diagnosis presentation must be relevant to the South African population and discussed the need to tailor explanations for the patient's home language and level of education. Cross-cultural barriers and different cultural health beliefs may require a specially tailored communication approach grounded in a clear cultural understanding.
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Osakunor DNM, Sengeh DM, Mutapi F. Coinfections and comorbidities in African health systems: At the interface of infectious and noninfectious diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006711. [PMID: 30235205 PMCID: PMC6147336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a disease epidemiological transition occurring in Africa, with increasing incidence of noninfectious diseases, superimposed on a health system historically geared more toward the management of communicable diseases. The persistence and sometimes emergence of new pathogens allows for the occurrence of coinfections and comorbidities due to both infectious and noninfectious diseases. There is therefore a need to rethink and restructure African health systems to successfully address this transition. The historical focus of more health resources on infectious diseases requires revision. We hypothesise that the growing burden of noninfectious diseases may be linked directly and indirectly to or further exacerbated by the existence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and other infectious diseases within the population. Herein, we discuss the health burden of coinfections and comorbidities and the challenges to implementing effective and sustainable healthcare in Africa. We also discuss how existing NTD and infectious disease intervention programs in Africa can be leveraged for noninfectious disease intervention. Furthermore, we explore the potential for new technologies-including artificial intelligence and multiplex approaches-for diagnosis and management of chronic diseases for improved health provision in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derick Nii Mensah Osakunor
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Evolution, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Francisca Mutapi
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Evolution, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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