It is important to treat everyone as an individual with unique likes, dislikes, fears and anxieties.  Spending time getting to know the person, finding out about them, understanding what they feel is important, will help you to encourage autonomy and create a therapeutic relationship.

Sarah’s situation could have so easily been resolved with effective communication.  Planning care collaboratively with Sarah’s parents would have improved this situation.  As her primary carers, Sarah’s parents would have been able to advise on Sarah’s daily routine, likes and dislikes etc. thereby ensuring Sarah received holistic care while reducing tensions between the family and the hospital.  Recognising and valuing Sarah’s parents as key members of her support team would have helped achieve this and also ensure smooth transition between hospital and home.