The elephant in the room : the complex dynamics surrounding communication processes around children and young people with a life-limiting illness, from the perspective of an in-depth qualitative case study

Background: Much debate exists about whether it is appropriate to talk to children with a life-limiting illness (LLI) about their diagnosis and prognosis. Traditionally a protective stance has been adopted, excluding children from conversations about them and their illness, In order to protect them from 'harm'. This exclusion is mirrored within the research literature with the child's voice seemingly absent. This raises the question 'how do we know what children's experiences of the communication processes around them and their illness, are if we do not ask them?' Objectives: This research aimed to explore the experiences of communication around and with children with LLI, through the multiple systemic perspectives of: a child living with a LLI, his parents and his healthcare professionals.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo