Date: October 4, 2024

Place:  Pompeu Fabra University. Barcelona. Organized by the IULATERM Group, Institute of Applied Linguistics IULA-CER.

The Healthcom Conference consists of an interdisciplinary scientific day aimed at researchers and professionals in health, applied linguistics, terminology, and communication in this field.

Among the highlights of the conference, there were discussions on how play facilitates communication in hospitalized paediatric patients, improving their understanding of information, providing emotional support, and normalizing their situation. Additionally, strategies to enhance doctor-patient communication in paediatric settings were also discussed.

Another important topic covered was gender bias in paediatric care, where perspectives on the facilitators of this bias and its implications for children’s health were provided.

Competences:

Ability to communicate with the academic and scientific community and with society in general about their fields of knowledge in the modes and languages ​​commonly used in the international scientific community.

Ability to promote, in academic and professional contexts, scientific, technological, social, artistic or cultural progress within a knowledge-based society.

Reflection on the Learning Undertaken:

Attending the Healthcom Conference provided important knowledge about how health communication, applied linguistics and terminology, come together in healthcare environments. The discussions on how play facilitates communication in hospitalized pediatric patients were particularly enlightening. I learned how play can significantly improve children’s understanding of medical information, provide emotional support, and help normalize their hospital experience. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective communication strategies that cater to the unique needs of paediatric patients.

The conference also highlighted the importance of enhancing doctor-patient communication in paediatric settings. The strategies discussed will be instrumental in my research, as they offer practical approaches to improving interactions between healthcare providers and young patients. Understanding these strategies will enable me to contribute to the development of more effective communication practices in healthcare.

Another critical topic covered was gender bias in paediatric care. The perspectives shared on this bias and its implications for children’s health underscored the need for equitable healthcare practices. This aligns with my research focus on community health improvement, as addressing gender bias is essential for ensuring fair and just healthcare for all children.

The conference reinforced the significance of clear and empathetic communication in healthcare and provided practical strategies to address communication challenges.  This perspective is essential for more equitable healthcare practices and policies, which aligns with my research focus on community health improvement. Moreover, the ability to communicate effectively with both the academic and scientific community and society in general is crucial for advancing knowledge and promoting progress within a knowledge-based society.