Good Communication
Everyone should be as comfortable and free from pain as possible at the end of life. Effective pain management reduces suffering and improves quality of life.
- Family and friends may encourage the person to take medications they no longer need or do not want.
- Family and friends may worry that the person is not receiving proper care.
- Keep family and friends informed about the person’s choices and preferences (with consent).
- Use family meetings and case conferences to share information and agree on care as needs change and dispel any myths or concerns about medication deprescribing or use.
- Seek feedback from families and friends about their experience and how processes could be improved.
Good communication at the end of life means sharing and receiving information clearly, even in stressful and emotional situations. Including the right people in discussions about medication changes helps ensure everyone understands how to support the person’s comfort and quality of life. If the person can make decisions, they should be involved in all conversations about their care.
Family meetings and case conferences can be helpful
Family meetings or case conferences (where the person consents) are an important way of getting everyone together to facilitate communication and navigate conflicting views about treatment. They can play an important role in planning care and supporting decisions relating to end of life in accordance with the person’s wishes.
Good communication tips
- Use simple language and avoid too many medical terms.
- Answer questions honestly.
- Share information based on evidence.
- Listen respectfully and don’t talk over the person, their family, or friends.
- Check that everyone understands what has been discussed.
- Use communication aids, translators, or family support for non-speaking people.