In this module, we aim to help healthcare professionals have sensitive and effective conversations about end-of-life care after stroke. Our goal is to improve the care that stroke patients receive at the end of their life and the experiences of their families.
This module does not provide information or education about options for treatment and care after a severe stroke. Its focus is on preparing professionals to have good conversations about poor prognosis, treatment decision-making, and end-of-life care.
This module follows on from the STARS module 16 End of life care after stroke. We recommend that you complete that module before starting this one.
The learning outcomes of this module are informed by various studies performed in the last 7 years. In particular, a survey of 599 healthcare professionals in May 2015, longitudinal study involving stroke survivors and carers in 2017 and a qualitative study involving stroke survivors and their families in 2018.
The main topics from these studies were how to communicate with patients and families about the following:
- Uncertainty of stroke prognosis and trajectory
- Communicating with anxious and distressed families and patients
- Communicating uncertainty while managing expectations
- Communicating within the MDT and recording conversations and information
- Discussing feeding, hydration and treatments which may prolong survival but with disability
- Involving patients and families in shared decision-making about treatments in-keeping with their preferences
Acknowledging and providing ongoing support post-discharge, especially emotionally and in the context of bereavement for families.
Page last reviewed: 16 Jan 2023
