Question

Research has shown that end of life communication can be lacking between physicians and patients. As providers have you witnessed this in your own practice? Please provide examples.

Answer 1

Ans) Good communication can relieve pain and distress and serve in good decisions regarding the treatment and advance care planning.

- It can also aid physicians convey their caring and empathy for dying patients and provide good quality end-of-life care.

- The research by the NHS national end of life care programme came to conclusion that while most health and social care staff have some involvement in end of life care, the majority have not received communications skills training beyond a very basic level.

- This can be improved by:

Communication Skills:
• Clear communication is an essential ingredient of quality palliative care.
• Ongoing refresher training can help palliative care staff to improve their skills in discussing end-of-life (EoL).
• Communication education should include prognostication, conflict management and empathetic communication.