Dear All

Thank you for participating in the sessions today.

In RRR we discussed:

• Assessment of Seriously Sick child – ABCD
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Anorexia Nervosa

The Communication Scenario was of an 11 month old admitted following a convulsion and a clinical diagnosis of meningitis. Task was to discuss with parent for consent for LP and further treatment. Father is not happy with LP. Dr M was a good role player (RP) acting as father and Dr V took the hot seat. Very knowledgeable with facts having some difficulty in putting it across to an adamant father.

Learning points:

• After introductions check what RP understands of situation.
• Do NOT be Jargonistic.
• Seizure vs ‘fit’ – consider appropriate terminology
• Respond to cues. Listen carefully.
• Is ‘child’ going to be OK? a very common question.
• Be honest and do not promise that is that is not ‘correct’.
• ‘Should be well with treatment’ is generally a good response.
• Most scenarios are not about technicalities of procedures.
• Lumbar Puncture is NOT mandatory for TREATING suspected meningitis.
• If RP refuses do NOT go round more than twice – look for alternative approach.

Vist www.mrcpchonline.org to add your comments or add points I may have missed.

Anil Garg