Mind mapping on ‘Communication in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit’ in collaboration with intensive nursing care

Abstract

Pediatric cardiac intensive care is a rapidly developing specialty that caters to the needs of children with heart disease. Communication in this intensive care unit is challenging because of complexity, high patient acuity, uncertainty, and ethical issues. Unfortunately, conflict is common, as several studies and reviews confirm. Good communication in the critical care area is an expectation from patients, their families, and professional societies. Good communication is also an important concept in family-centered care that warrants deliberate ongoing communication. The ICU nurse is poised to be a key contributor of efforts to improve communication with patients and families in the ICU because they have always been strong advocates to meet the patients' needs. Indeed, because of the time spent in constant attendance at the bedside of the critically ill patient, ICU nurses build relationships with patients and their families. Often, the ICU nurse has in-depth knowledge of the patients' or families' concerns that has not been realized by other providers. As bedside caregivers, the ICU nurses are the professionals who have the most interaction with patients and their families in formal and informal ways. Armed with knowledge and skills of effective intensive care strategies, such as proactive communication, the ICU nurse is poised to be a major advocate to improve communication in the ICU with patients and their families. The purpose of this article is to review the issue of communication in the PCICU, highlight strategies that may improve communication in the PCICU, and further stimulate the discussion about integrating how nurse can use the mind mapping concepts to improve communication in PCICU. Conclusion: communication in the ICU is challenging and complex. The nurse's role is important in any strategy to improve communication. Developing ICU nurses' mastery of communication skills is gaining momentum as an effective strategy. The ICU nurse can be a key contributor to good, effective communication for PCICU patients and their families.