Communication with seriously ill patients - more than just breaking bad news

Abstract

Communication with seriously ill patients - more than just breaking bad news Abstract. In the context of palliative care, specific communication strategies and techniques are needed to adequately meet the special challenges of the palliative care situation. Successful communication is characterized by criteria of patient-centeredness and can positively influence important parameters of patients, caregivers, and clinicians. These parameters include informed and shared decision making, a trustful relationship with the treatment team, improved knowledge and understanding of prognosis, improved treatment adherence and coping with difficult treatment decisions, and increased patient satisfaction and quality of life of patients and caregivers. Communication skills can be learned and reinforced in communication courses. The COMSKIL training program, which was developed for various professional groups in medical oncology care, defines five central components of a professional conversation (communication goals, communication strategies, communication techniques, process tasks, and cognitive assessments) and addresses basic skills as well as communicative challenges in the context of specific conversation occasions.