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What do you do if you need to deliver difficult news to patients and their families?

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Delivering difficult news to patients and their families is an inevitable part of healthcare. As a healthcare professional, you may face moments where you have to convey information that could be life-altering. It's a delicate task that requires empathy, clarity, and a supportive approach. Understanding the best practices for these conversations can ease the process for both you and the recipients of the news. The following sections will guide you through the steps to handle this sensitive aspect of patient care with compassion and professionalism.

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Kathryn Fry DNP MS RN

Live your legacy every day
Dr. Parth Vaishnav

Social Media "Silencer" Psychiatrist, deaddiction expert & public speaker

1 Prepare Thoroughly

Before meeting with patients or their families, ensure you have all the necessary information regarding their condition. This preparation involves reviewing medical records, understanding the prognosis, and anticipating questions they might ask. By being well-prepared, you can provide accurate information and reduce the uncertainty that often accompanies bad news. It's also important to rehearse how you'll deliver the news, choosing your words carefully to avoid causing unnecessary distress.

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2 Choose the Setting

The environment in which you deliver difficult news can significantly impact how it's received. Find a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted. Comfortable seating and a calm atmosphere can help put patients and their families at ease. Ensure that the setting is conducive to conversation, allowing for privacy and space for emotional reactions. The right setting can make a challenging discussion slightly more bearable.

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Kathryn Fry DNP MS RN

Live your legacy every day
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When possible, select a quiet and private place where family and/or patient are able to be at eye level. If they are seated, you should sit down. Make eye contact. Don't rush the conversation, pause and allow time for the information to be understood.

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Anthony Onwugbaramuko

Founder/ CEO at Healthrak Ltd. | Hospital Sustainability & Growth Strategist | Served over 600 hospitals across 23 states in Nigeria | Writer | Sales Consultant | Green Belt Lean Six Sigma Professional | Data Analyst
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It is important to ensure that the environment is free of sharp objects and weapons. Patient relatives sometimes get violent very fast. I have expressed a situation where a patient relative broke a glass door on hearing bad news about their relative.

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3 Communicate Clearly

When delivering difficult news, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid medical jargon that might confuse or overwhelm. Be honest about the situation but also express it with sensitivity. Allow the patient or family members to process the information, and be prepared to repeat details if necessary. Being clear also means being present, so give them your undivided attention throughout the conversation.

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Dr. Parth Vaishnav

Social Media "Silencer" Psychiatrist, deaddiction expert & public speaker
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Choose an appropriate setting that allows for privacy and minimal distractions. Use simple, straightforward language. Be honest and transparent, providing factual information without sugarcoating or withholding important details. Allow for pauses and silence, giving them time to process the news and ask questions. Listen actively, acknowledging their emotions and validating their feelings. Offer support and reassurance, and provide information about next steps and available resources. Follow up with them regularly to address any additional concerns or needs that may arise. Overall, maintain empathy, respect, and compassion throughout the communication process.

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4 Show Empathy

Empathy is at the heart of these challenging conversations. Acknowledge the emotional impact of the news and allow patients and their families to express their feelings. Listen attentively and respond with compassion. Your body language, tone of voice, and choice of words should all convey that you understand how difficult this moment is for them. Empathetic communication can help build trust and provide comfort during hard times.

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5 Offer Support

After delivering the news, discuss the available support options. This might include counseling services, support groups, or additional resources for coping with the diagnosis or prognosis. Let them know they are not alone and that there is help available to navigate through the next steps. Offering support also means being available to answer questions and provide further clarification as needed.

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6 Follow Up

Finally, arrange for a follow-up after the initial conversation. This gives patients and their families time to think of additional questions and concerns that may arise once they've had time to process the news. A follow-up demonstrates your ongoing commitment to their care and provides an opportunity for continued support and guidance as they adjust to their new reality.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dr. Parth Vaishnav

Social Media "Silencer" Psychiatrist, deaddiction expert & public speaker
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Additionally: 1. Tailoring the communication style to the patient's preferences 2. Using visual aids, such as diagrams or drawings, to enhance understanding, especially for complex medical information 3. Ensuring that all parties involved in the conversation, including interpreters or translators if necessary, are on the same page and understand the information being shared 4. Providing written materials or resources for patients and their families to review at their own pace after the conversation. 5.Being aware of your nonverbal communication, including body language and tone of voice, to convey empathy and sincerity 6. Addressing any misconceptions or concerns that may arise during the conversation, and clarifying information as needed

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What do you do if you need to deliver difficult news to patients and their families?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Prepare Thoroughly

2 Choose the Setting

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Show Empathy

5 Offer Support

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare

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What do you do if you need to deliver difficult news to patients and their families?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prepare Thoroughly

2 Choose the Setting

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Show Empathy

5 Offer Support

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare

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