Guidelines

 

Guidelines for talking with all patient partners

  • Notify in advance; schedule a convenient time.
    • Include trusted transplant team members.
    • Recognize caregivers and patients as experts.
    • Acknowledge patient partners as key decision-makers.
  • Allocate dedicated discussion time.
    • Sit down; explain using PARTNER’s questions.
      • Speak age-appropriate language.
    • Include pauses for questions and concerns.
    • Directly ask for thoughts; address anxiety.
    • Actively listen; be transparent.
  • Respect schedules.
  • Provide clear post-discussion contact information.

Guidelines for talking with children and teenagers

  • Create a comfortable environment for individuals and families.
    • Include trusted transplant team members.
  • Acknowledge the child as an individual.
    • Speak directly to them.
    • Remind them they are experts on their experiences.
  • Recognize caregivers as allies and interpreters.
  • Avoid assuming young patients’ opinions align with their parents.
  • Tailor interactions to age and developmental stage.
    • Integrate play for younger children.
    • Provide communication options for older children and teenagers.
  • Acknowledge young people as key decision-makers.
  • Explain the project using age-appropriate language.
    • Include pauses for questions and concerns.
    • Directly ask for their thoughts.
    • Address anxiety and offer follow-up support.
    • Listen actively; use open-ended questions.
    • Provide examples for comfortable communication.
  • Clearly present available options for their choices.