Use some time for lecture, but either show a role play or get the audience to spend some time with the person next to them to practice a scenario for 5 minutes.
Lecture:
- Why is communication important
- Principles of good communication
- Basic rules of communication (setting/ preparation/timing etc)
- Breaking bad news (eg SPIKE model)
- How to organize a family conference
- Common scenarios at the end of life: collusion, distressed patient, upset family
- Demonstration (role play or audience participation)
Outcomes for the audience:
Basic principles of communication
Strategies for good communication
Organising a family conference
References:
- Kirk, P., Kirk, I. & Kristjanson, L. (2004). What do patients receiving palliative care for cancer and their families want to be told? A Canadian and Australian qualitative study. BMJ, 5, 328(7452):1343.
- Parker SM, Clayton JM, Hancock K, et al: A systematic review of prognostic/end-of-life communication with adults in the advanced stages of a life-limiting illness: Patient/caregiver preferences for the content, style, and timing of information. J Pain Symptom Manage 34:81-93, 2007
- SPIKES-A six-step protocol for delivering bad news: Application to the patient with cancer. Walter F et al. The Oncologist, Aug 2000, vol 5, No. 4 302-311