Communication during a scar assessment
Key Point
When assessing and looking at a scar your communication is important.
What you think of a scar ( i.e. that it is 'good' or 'small') may not be the same as what the child/family think about the scar. It is imperative you gain the child and families thoughts about the scar before you make comment, regardless of the size of the scar.
Tips for talking to a child about a scar:
Questions to determine what the child /family think of the scar include:
- Do you know what a scar is?
- What does it feel like?
- Do you think your scar is changing? How?
- Do you get asked questions about your scar?
- What do they tell other people if they ask you 'what that is on your skin?'
- Does the scar stop you from doing anything?
- Do you want to know how I think your scar is going?
Example phrases when talking to a child about scars:
'A scar is skin that feels, looks and can act differently to the skin around it.'
'Sometimes scars don’t stretch very much and this can make our {body part} harder to move.'
'Sometimes scars can feel lumpy and bumpy or can feel itchy or sore.'
'My job is to make the scar feel as good and look as good possible and to make sure it doesn’t stop you doing all the things you love and want to do. This might mean I need to touch your scar.'
