'I've got tummy ache in my head'. Communicating with sick children.

The traumatic effects of illness and hospitalisation on the child can be minimised with appropriate and effective communication, both with and from the child. When verbal communication is not possible, alternative means of communicating must be set up as soon as feasible, to establish a two-way channel, thus reducing the likelihood of misconceptions, misunderstandings, and unnecessary fears and frustrations.