Andrew Thompson

Andrew is a Registered Social Worker with the Consult Liaison Psychiatry Team at Starship. He teaches at The University of Auckland, and provides communication skills training for health and social care professionals.  He also consults with children, their families and staff across the hospital on issues relating to trauma adjustment, coping and adapting to treatment.  Andrew was a founding member of the Paediatric Palliative Care team and established the first Bereavement Service at Starship and continues to provide education and training in these fields of practice His doctoral research “Extraordinary Children”, is exploring parent and doctor working-relationships within the context of undiagnosed and complex medical conditions.

Difficult Conversations, Difficult Parents or Difficult Colleagues? A Rapid Research Project for Breakfast

with Kathy Bublitz, Registered Social Worker, Starship Children’s Health, Auckland, NZ

During this presentation we will be talking about difficult conversations in the intensive care environment.  We will briefly review a difficult conversation that provoked attention from the Pope and President Trump.  We will present two case studies to encourage discussion about strategies to manage difficult conversations with colleagues and caregivers.  We will also be using “Todaysmeet” a simple to use backchannel, so please bring a laptop, smart phone or tablet.  This is an interactive session and a rapid research project that we hope will generate debate, energy and considerable humour.  If we do a good job together you will leave the session with some tips and strategies for your next difficult conversation.