Unpleasant Communication: Conveying Bad News
A bad news has been defined as anything that negatively alters patients or family member's views of the future. Patients or family members are likely to be seriously disturbed if the news is related to his physical condition which will alter his capabilities to lead a normal life after treatment or signals the end of life.
On many occasions, the patient or his relatives have got fairly good idea about the possible out come. Nevertheless, they are not diffident. They come to see the physician with utmost faith in the almighty God. Health Professionals often find themselves in this difficult situation. They have yet to gauge the gravity of the situation, and then communicate appropriately.
Following are some situations that are considered unpleasant and requiring tact and experience before the bad news is broken.
• Diagnosis of Cancer.
• Futility of further treatment. E.g brain dead
• Death of the baby during delivery.
• Serious complications during surgery
• Malformation/ Congenital abnormality in developing foetus.
• Decision to carry out amputation of a limb/ make genital organ/ enucleation of a damaged eye.
• HIV Sero Positive Status.
• Announcement of death
Mere were instances in recent times, where in the death of some influential Persons in the hospital had resulted into violent demonstration by the followers f the leader. There were also incidences where hospitals have handled the cases efficiently. The difference is only the approach, and the determination as to the expected outcomes.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment