| 1. |
Have the facts to hand
|
| 2. |
Clear enough time
|
| 3. |
Control potential interruptions
- Switch off bleep
- Ask colleagues not to disturb you
- Divert phone calls
- Use 'do not disturb' sign if in general office
|
| 4. |
Check if patient wishes anyone else present
|
| 5. |
Negotiate approx time consultation will take
and explain need to take notes
|
| 6. |
Clarify what patient knows or suspects
|
| 7. |
Be prepared to follow the patients agenda
|
| 8. |
Observe and acknowledge patient's emotional reactions
- Nervousness
- Fear
|
| 9. |
Stop if patient indicates that they do not wish
to continue
|
| 10. |
Check patient's understanding of what you are
saying
|
| 1. |
Make assumptions about
- The impact of the news
- Patients readiness to hear news
- Who else should be present
- Patients priorities
- Patients understanding
|
| 2. |
Give too much information at one time
|
| 3. |
Decide what is most important for the patient
|
| 4. |
Give inappropriate reassurance
|
| 5. |
Answer questions unless you have the facts to
hand
|
| 6. |
Hurry the consultation
|
| 7. |
Use euphemisms eg. 'little ulcer' when you mean
'cancer'
|
| 8. |
Block emotional expression from the patient
|
| 9. |
Break bad news to relatives before telling the
patient
|
| 10. |
Agree to relative's demands that you withhold
information from the patient |
A
time to share
know or suspect?
