Ismael, pediatric palliative care in cross-cultural situations, based on a clinical case

Background. - The mobile palliative care team in which I work accompanied Ismael, a newborn from Burkina-Faso, suffering from hydranencephaly in the context of a twin pregnancy. During this support, we felt that we did not all perceive what was happening to this child and his loved ones. A year after the death, in the course of training in psychiatry and cross-cultural competence, I decided to go back to see Ismael's mother. She was able to tell us her story. Methods. - We will analyze this case with a complementary transcultural approach and taking into account the countertransference relationship difficult to acquire but valuable in the cultural approach of our patients. Results. - Another story often echoes a medical discourse, with all the representations of the patients, which are no less rich. In sub-Saharan Africa, the arrival of twins is full of meanings and rites. To live in contact with an expected death is terrifying, the whole importance here has been to give meaning to this life. Religion has had a very important place in this history. Religion has had a very important place in this history. Working in a mobile team was also an advantage in the relationship of trust that was established. Conclusions. - In a global context of increasing migratory movements, it is important to give healthcare teams the means to prepare and train themselves to face the challenge of cultural diversity. (c) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.