Palliative communication skills

Question 1

Barriers to good communication at the end of life

Answer 1

1. fear of mortality
2. lack of personal experience with death and dying
3. fear of expressing emotion, such as showing tears
4. unrealistic expectations for sure
5. fear not knowing an answer to a Q
6. disagreement with PT/family decisions
7. lack of knowledge/understanding of others culture
8. lack of knowledge of PT/fam end-of-life goals
9. unresolved personal grief
10. ethical concerns
11. professional insensitivity
12. physical and emotional distance from PT/fam