<![CDATA[Background Effective communication is a critical competency for pediatricians, playing a vital role in ensuring comprehensive and holistic patient care. Despite its fundamental importance, communication with patients’ families is not explicitly addressed as a separate component in the current pediatric residency curriculum. Objective To explore pediatric residents’ experiences with effective communication and to identify communication-related challenges. Methods A qualitative study was conducted involving pediatric residents from the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret – Dr. Moewardi General Hospital. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held separately for each residency level to ensure depth and relevance of responses. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, involving systematic coding to identify and categorize emerging themes and subthemes. Results A total of 29 participants were included in this study (one resident could not complete the study). Thematic analysis of the FGDs identified five major themes and 24 subthemes. The major themes included: (1) the importance of effective communication in pediatric care; (2) strategies for building rapport and trust with patients and families; (3) dedicated time allocation for communication; (4) challenges in achieving effective communication; and (5) recommendations for enhancing communication skills. Across the cohort, residents consistently described communication as a deliberate, learnable skill shaped by empathy, environmental control, and documentation practices. Conclusion Pediatric residents broadly recognize effective communication as essential to care quality, family trust, and legal protection, but report persistent structural and interpersonal barriers. These findings underscore the need to integrate structured communication training into the pediatric residency curriculum to strengthen residents’ communication competence.]]>
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