Family Decisions Panel

FAMILIES MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS - THE CHALLENGES OF CRANIOFACIAL CARE
When a child is born with a craniofacial anomaly, the event sets into motion a multitude of issues that need to be dealt with immediately and over time. Parental questions such as, “who, what, when, where, how and why”?, will need to be addressed. Making decisions under stress can be further complicated by communication barriers, physician/care provider bias, access to care, family resources and how families actually come to a decision. When presented with choices, how does the team interface with the family or local schools/agencies to help make the best overall decision for the child? Through case presentations, each panelist will discuss how and why a specific protocol was adopted, the rationale behind the choice and outcomes taking into account family dynamics and resources. Through the question and answer period the audience will be able to examine their own practice, and how their team works with families to provide the best possible care.
Marilyn A. Cohen, BA, LSLP, Bernard J. Costello, DMD, MD, FACS, Amelia F. Drake, MD, Ronald R. Hathaway, DDS, MS, Robert J. Havlik, MD, Ann W. Kummer, MAT, PhD