Caring For Kids And Their Parents
About Caring for Kids… and Their Parents! | Teen Confidentiality | Internet Parents | Child Abuse | Connecting Through Kids’ Culture Internet Parents
Overview | Video | Discussion Questions | Scenario Analysis | Scenario ScriptScenario Analysis
Both scenes start off with the doctor building an excellent rapport with Lily (also see the Connecting Through Kids’ Culture module). Where the two scenarios differ is the point where Lily’s mother expresses some concern about a possible relationship between childhood vaccinations and the development of autism, a concern that has received much media attention.
In Scene 1, when the doctor encounters resistance to the vaccination, he becomes confrontational and critical not only of the mother’s concern but even of her attempts to learn more about medical care for her daughter. He seems to take the challenge personally and bristles at the thought that he would ever recommend anything that was not appropriate and safe. He also uses negative language when he asks how the mother would feel if Lily were to die of a disease due to her “negligence” in not having her vaccinated. The doctor’s attempts to pressure Lily’s mother into going ahead with the vaccination only create more resistance. In the process, all good rapport with both Lily and her mother has been destroyed.
In Scene 2, the doctor considerately explores Lily’s mother’s concerns about the vaccination and in a nonjudgmental way inquires about her sources available on-line. On learning that the information came from an Internet chat room, the doctor points out the prevalence of misinformation and offers to refer her to a more reliable source. He then explains the actual risks and benefits of vaccination, and cites the substantial evidence-based research supporting the safety of vaccinations with respect to autism. He handles all of Lily’s mother’s questions and concerns respectfully and acknowledges and encourages her efforts to learn more about issues that may affect Lily’s health. He leaves the final decision regarding the vaccination open to allow Lily’s mother time to review the information herself but does assure her that there will be some follow up to be sure the issue is not lost.
