Table 3 Effective Communication Tips at the End-of-life
From: End-of-life issues in the acute and critically ill patient
Ensure a quiet location for communication |
Allow appropriate time for the interaction |
Involve the family in all communication |
Involve the family in all communication |
Speak from a seated position |
Assess patient understanding |
Use open ended questions to gauge understanding and invite the patient perspective |
Accept and address emotions of patients and loved ones |
Educate patient and family on disease state |
Inquire about and address cultural issues |
Demonstrate reflective listening |
Express empathy |
Disclose all benefits and risks to treatment as well as alternative therapy |
Speak objectively in an evidence-based manner |
Suggest all appropriate resources to patients and their families including psychiatric care, pastoral support, and social services |
Identify and discuss advance directives |
Establish patient goals and develop a plan |