title: [How do I tell about a severe illness of a child?].
abstract: First knowledge of a child's severe illness will stick in the parents' mind forever. A preconsidered action model is required for the meeting. Before the conversation the doctor should get acquainted with the patient's disease and if possible, find out about the situation in the family. The information provided should be honest and understandable in order to maintain the possibility for interaction. A quiet place and enough time should be reserved for the conversation. Various emotional reactions of the parents are understandable, whereas the doctor's calm and factual behavior is part of her/his professionalism.
authors.affiliation: Lastenneurologian klinikkaryhmä, HYKS, naisten- ja lastentautien tulosyksikkö.
authors.forename: Tuula
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lönnqvist
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations
vernacular_title: Miten kerron lapsen vaikeasta sairaudesta?