Here we discuss the sort of comments which can be unhelpful and offer some examples of alternative more helpful comments.
Not so useful
- ‘She’s for comfort care’, (too vague)
- He’s palliative’ (too vague);
- ‘We’re stopping feeding’ (not clear what sort of feeding )
- ‘We’re withdrawing active treatment’ (not clear what specifically this means; and using the term ‘withdrawing treatment’ could imply ‘withdrawal of care’)
- ‘She’s not for escalation’ (not clear what this means-could instead say ‘ward level care’ and not for CPR)
- Consultant to junior doctor: ‘please update the family’ (following an MDT)-(this is too vague-specify what family need to be updated about)
More useful
- Family and staff agreed a trial of antibiotics with a review in 48 hours (clear with a time frame)
- Staff nurse X and Doctor Y have booked a meeting on … with Mr Z wife and son to discuss next stage of care plan. (specifies who & when and what is being discussed)
- DNACPR form has been discussed with patient and signed on …. Now filed in case notes (Important information simply explained)
- Family have been given a demonstration by speech and language therapist to offer small sips of puree and thickened fluids safely when visiting. Family have also been informed about aspiration risk. (Shows family have been fully informed)
- Mr Z has requested no further attempts to pass nasogastric tube but has agreed to subcutaneous fluids and small sips of water. (specifies the treatment plan which patient has been involved in the decision making)
Reflection point
Can you think of useful communication phrases which would make a difference to your work?
Page last reviewed: 16 Jan 2023
