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Successful relationships between doctors and patients depend on trust, courtesy, compassion. They are part of putting the interests of patients first.
When dealing with children and young people, interacting in the right way is even more important. Sensitivity can be greater, emotional welfare needs to be carefully considered, alongside physical welfare.
Dermatologists should treat children as the individuals they are. Listen to their views, respect them as they would any patient, consider their privacy and dignity.
The basis of good dermatology is the protection of health. All the more effective if this is based on understanding a child’s feelings and the views of those who care for them.
Supporting Parents & Guardians
The age of a child can have a bearing on approach, although we always try to listen to our patients views and those of their parents. Both may be involved in decisions.
Giving everyone information which is clear and understandable helps. The value of good communication as part of successful treatment should not be underestimated.
People can feel that medical staff are too busy to answer questions. We promise that our staff will offer all the time you need, to build confidence in our young patients and for all involved to know how treatment will affect them.
Alongside the young people we treat, we have a duty to the whole family. They need to know how children will feel after treatment and be aware of any special requirements, as do schools, or activity centres.
Education and Activities
A children’s dermatologist is there to reduce issues, return a child’s life to normality wherever possible. There may still be circumstances where treatment and support need to continue for an extended period.
All schools should have a policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions. This may be a short term need, or involve wider educational, social and emotional support, including how absences are best managed.
Although we would only do so with your knowledge, our clinical staff can liaise with a child’s school. Help to make sure they understand the condition, individual requirements and opportunities.
A good healthcare plan at a school, or related to other activity, should be about reducing disturbance for the child. The less life has to change, the more positive they will feel about their condition and treatment.
A Minimalist Approach
You may think this sounds like we offer minimal treatment but the opposite is true. Skin Care Network offer the finest, state of the art dermatology for patients of all ages.
In the same way that our dermatologists take a minimally invasive approach to treatment, they appreciate the value of keeping children’s lives as normal as possible.
We work with them and their parents to try to ensure chosen activities and sports don’t need to stop, unless there is no option. The same for education, personal interests, friendships, comfortable sleep and self belief.
Adult and peadiatric dermatology are not the same. Children and young people need support which is unique to their lives, our well trained staff will ensure this is available.