To practice negotiation skills in advocating for the young patient while respecting the parent’s concerns.

To enhance empathy and communication strategies in difficult conversations.

To refine the ability to provide evidence-based information in a persuasive and non-confrontational manner.

Brainstorm common parental concerns about paediatric imaging and how to address them.

Discuss basic facts about CT scans, radiation exposure and strategies to reassure parents.

Scenario Overview

Characters

The Nurse: has been tasked by the attending physician to perform a CT scan for Jamie, a 7-year-old who fell from a tree. Jamie is currently stable but shows symptoms consistent with a possible concussion.

The Parent: is concerned about radiation risks and stress for the child.

Background

A 7-year-old child, fell from a tree and was brought to the emergency department with symptoms suggesting a possible concussion. The physician has recommended a CT scan.

Setting

The conversation takes place in a consultation room.

Roles Key Behaviours

Paediatric Nurse (Advocating for CT scan):

Behaviours:

Use calm and clear explanations, provide evidence-based reassurance about the safety and necessity of the scan, and remain with the patient when responding to repeated questions or fears.

Tone:

Supportive, confident and empathetic.

Attitude:

Advocates for the child’s best interest, balancing medical necessity with sensitivity to the parent’s worries.

Concerned Parent (Hesitant About CT scan):

Behaviours:

Express worry about radiation risks and the stress the procedure may cause the child, ask probing or repetitive questions, and show hesitation or reluctance to consent.

Tone:

Anxious, protective and occasionally defensive.

Attitude:

Deeply focused on minimizing harm to their child but open to reassurance and collaboration.

Simulation Flow

Setup

Arrange the consultation room with chairs for both participants.

Introduction

Brief the participants in the simulation privately.

Execution

The simulation begins with the nurse entering the consultation room and greeting the parent.

The nurse explains the physician’s recommendation for a CT scan and outlines its purpose.

The parent expresses reluctance and raises concerns about radiation, the child’s stress and the necessity of the scan.

The negotiation continues until the parent either agrees to or declines the procedure.

Resolution

The conversation concludes with the parent deciding about the CT scan.

If the parent agrees, the nurse explains the next steps.

If the parent declines, the nurse outlines potential risks and ensures the decision is documented appropriately.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the simulation, the participants should be able to:

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the simulation, the participants should be able to:

1. Use negotiation techniques to address and resolve parent’s objections to CT scan.
2. Demonstrate empathy and active listening to build trust with the parent.
3. Clearly explain medical procedures in a way that reassures the parent.

Possible Distractors or Twists

1. The parent becomes emotional or angry during the discussion, requiring de-escalation techniques.
2. The parent brings up misinformation they found online about CT scans, requiring the nurse to correct it without sounding dismissive.
3. The parent requests alternative tests or treatments, challenging the nurse to explain why a CT scan is necessary.

1. Self-reflection – the participants express their immediate emotional reactions to the simulation
2. Analysis - explore together what happened during the simulation and why.
3. Highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
4. Summarise main takeaways from the session.