When doctors talk, do parents hear?
Submitted by Dr. Gwenn Is In Blog
At work this past weekend, I saw three families who made me wonder: when we talk, what do parents hear? The same could be asked for when TV reporters talk or when authoritative figures like the FDA or the American Academy of Pediatrics talk. Do parents even listen? And, more importantly, do they listen enough to follow the advice given?
Thankfully, most parents do listen but a number do not and those are the parents I am wondering about today. The three families I saw this weekend all had one very important thing in common: they were all there for colds in a toddler and every family admitted to given their toddler Pediacare, which was recalled the past October.
As you know, for the past year, it’s been impossible to turn on a TV, computer or open anything in print without seeing a story about the dangers of over the counter cold and cough medications in children, particularly kids under 6 years of age. Most recently, the FDA’s Advisory finally stated that these medications simply should not be used in this age group.
Each of these families claimed to have “been unaware” of the dangers of pediacare yet looked uncomfortable by the question. That was all I needed to know. I simply reminded them of the recent news and moved on to my typical spiel of how to treat colds (saline, cool mist, fluids, chicken soup). And, pointed each family to some good online information and suggested they do a google search to read all the interesting news from the past year to get caught up and keep their kids safe.
It always troubles me when an issue arises that is clearly, calmly and plainly discussed yet some parents seem to be unable to hear it and follow the correct advice. I just hope that somewhere along the line these parents realize that all the experts can’t be wrong - at the same time. Why come to use for care and advice if you are not going to take it??
I would love to know what these parents are really thinking to better understand how to get them to really hear us and listen to our advice. Perhaps there is a lesson learned for how we, the health care community, can communicate better. But, that can’t happen if these parents don’t talk to us and express their concerns. Until that happens, the ear block will continue and a child’s health will be at risk.
In the meantime, parents, please, please, please, with a cherry on top…stop using over the counter cold and cough medications in children under 6 years of age. And, even for kids 6 years and older, the honest truth is chicken soup will get your child further on the mend than anything else out there.
By the way, what parents hear and how they listen is a big theme this week in the news so stay tuned. I’ll have much more to say.
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