[Perception of training in doctor-patient communication for students at faculty of medicine]

Doctor-patient communication is the heart of any medical practice. The technology of medicine today is focused on knowledge, its application and know-how, rather than skills of being, of knowing and of knowing when to do nothing. In 2005, Belgian High Council of Health emphasizes a quantitative and qualitative reduction of communication aspects within the initial medical training. The aim of our study is to investigate Belgian and foreign students perception of how the doctor-patient communication was taught during their studies. A questionnaire was sent by email to 300 Belgian and foreign Universities. We obtained 13.6% of answers of 99 students belonging to 41 Faculties from 22 countries. 55.6% of respondents thought to be well trained in the doctor-patient communication. 85.9% of students received theoretical courses out of which only 64.6% have the opportunity to enhance their apprenticeship by practical work. Majority of respondents required more practical work in learning to communicate. All of them agree on that they would like more applied practical communication incorporated into their curriculum. Like wise the society that calls for doctors with increased communication skills and communication researchers who emphasize the central role of the doctor-patient communication in the clinical and therapeutic approach, students are also seeking longitudinal transdisciplinary learning, including more practical practices.

[The child at high risk of imminent death: integrated management]

The authors report on their experience of the integrated medical and psychological care in a pediatric intensive care unit. They describe an individualized psychological management of the child at high risk of imminent death. The helpful attitudes and people are identified such as a loving human presence, a climate of trust, life openness and tolerance to child's reactions and receptiveness to the still present life. With the provided support, the child possibly goes through his difficult experience in a more serene way, at his own rythm, with the respect and the acceptance for his individual expression.