Staff accuracy in predicting the concerns of parents of chronically ill children

Abstract

The parents of 54 children with a chronic physical illness completed the Survey of Parental Satisfaction. Comparisons were made between the actual rate of parental satisfaction with information and emotional support, the magnitude of emotional problems experienced and opportunity to discuss concerns with medical, paramedical and nursing staff estimates of the same problems. Results demonstrated a large variability both within and between staff groups in accuracy. Overall, staff underestimated the magnitude of emotional problems experienced, whilst overestimating the opportunities available for parents to discuss concerns. All staff underestimated parental satisfaction with information. The results highlighted the need for staff training to increase both awareness and accuracy in identifying psychological morbidity.