Telling the parents...

Placement: Paediatrics
My supervisor and I had concerns about one of our clients who was severely overweight (9 y.o. female). So we conducted a 6MWT to determine the condition of her cardiovascular system. The results were alarming as it showed that her CV system had deteriorated significantly since the previous assessment. Further investigation was hence required.

So I typed up a report illustrating the results and our cause for concern for the parents and relevant health professionals. A meeting with the parents was also organised. While I was doing the report, I realised the difficulty of trying to present the results tactfully. It was important that I provide the essential information and facts, yet it was also important that I do not cause the parents to be overly fearful or worrisome. It was already such a challenge doing the report, let alone holding a discussion with the parents.

When the report was done, I noticed that my supervisor had sent it to a fellow colleague (also a physiotherapist) for proof reading, and unnecessary information was omitted. She had also consulted the colleague for second opinion with regards to this issue.

I felt that the actions my supervisor had taken were wise and vital, so I intend to follow her steps should a similar situation re-occur.