Doctors need to improve their conversations with dying patients, says RCP
BMJ 2018; 363 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k4330 (Published 19 October 2018) Cite this as: BMJ 2018;363:k4330- Adrian O’Dowd
- London
Doctors need to speak to patients with terminal illnesses in a timelier way and handle conversations with greater compassion and confidence, says a report from the Royal College of Physicians.1
The report, which examined why clinicians find it difficult to talk to patients about death, found that some doctors thought that death could be perceived as a failure and that modern medicine was expected to cure all ailments. However, evidence from patients and carers indicated that many people wanted to talk about death and that planning helped them feel more empowered about their care and decision making. …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.