Talking about dying and death: Essentials of communicating about approaching death from the perspective of major stakeholders.
| Autor: | Felber SJ; University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland., Guffi T; University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.; Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland., Brem BG; Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland., Schmitz FM; Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland., Schnabel KP; Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland., Guttormsen Schär S; Institute for Medical Education (IML), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland., Eychmüller S; University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland., Zambrano SC; Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Zdroj: | Palliative & supportive care [Palliat Support Care] 2023 Nov 06, pp. 1-10. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Nov 06. |
| DOI: | 10.1017/S1478951523001621 |
| Abstrakt: | Objectives: Although caring for dying patients and their family caregivers (FC) is integral to patient care, training in communication about approaching death is almost inexistent in medical and nursing curricula. Consequently, many health professionals have insufficient knowledge about conducting these conversations. In order to gain a broader insight into essential aspects of this communication from different perspectives, we conducted focus groups with key stakeholders. Methods: Medical specialists, nurses, medical students, bereaved FC and patient representatives participated in five focus groups ( n = 30). Following a focus group schedule, we elicited relevant aspects of communication about approaching death, associated emotions, and appropriate communication frameworks. We analyzed data thematically. Results: Four main themes were central to conversations about approaching death: (1) embracing care within medical expertise, (2) preparing the conversation while remaining open to the unexpected, (3) recognizing and reflecting on own emotions and reactions, and (4) establishing a meaningful connection with others. Significance of Results: Communicating about approaching death with dying patients and their FC can be complex and challenging at a professional and personal level. With the recognition of the dying phase, a process is initiated for which health professionals need solid clinical knowledge about but also effective communication skills, constant self-reflection and self-care strategies. Comprehensive training and supervision while dealing with the challenges of communicating approaching death to dying patients and their FC are key, particularly for trainees, less experienced physicians and nurses. The essential components identified in this study can help health professionals to master these conversations. |
| Databáze: | MEDLINE |
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