Effective communication in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) fosters trust between clinicians and patients’ parents. Clear and compassionate communication is essential in the PICU, where emotions run high and decisions can be life-altering. Miscommunication in this high-stress environment can exacerbate parental anxiety, reduce trust, and harm patient outcomes. Additionally, misunderstandings or unclear communication can lead to delays in care, medical errors, or unmet parental expectations. Therefore, understanding the factors contributing to miscommunication is vital to improving both short-term and long-term health outcomes for children and their families.

The investigators aimed to identify clinical and psychosocial factors associated with parent-perceived miscommunication in the PICU. The goal was to inform better communication practices, enhance care quality, and improve the overall experience for families in these settings.

The investigators conducted a cross-sectional survey of 215 parents of children admitted to a 60-bed PICU at a quaternary pediatric hospital between January 2018 and...

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