Tips during the meeting

Practicalities of the meeting

• Think about seating layout e.g. avoid sitting behind a desk
• Take another member of staff to the meeting if possible
• Body language: use an ‘open’ posture
• It is helpful to take in the medical notes, any scans and possibly the drug chart (families often ask about treatments)
• Use the meeting not only to give information but also to allow the patient/family to share their views, values, concerns and priorities to make informed and shared decision-making. Ask ‘what matters to you most’ after you have told someone they are very ill or maybe dying or have told the family their loved one is very ill or maybe dying
• Find out about the patient/relatives ideas, concerns and expectations

How much information should you give and how should this be given?

• Think about the amount of information the family can process at this stressful or distressing time. They may be in shock
• Keep your explanations clear and as simple as possible
• Small amounts of information at a time are more useful than long speeches
• Give information by using structure like: Ask-Tell-Ask
• Use the Chunk and Pause method. Ask what they understand from what you have just told them as you go along. Allow them time during the meeting to pause and reflect on what you have said
• Always allow time for questions. The questions families ask can inform you about how much of the information you are giving has been taken in
• Be aware that when people are experiencing emotional distress, this can block their ability to hear, process and use the information you are giving

Finally

• Repeat important information to ensure the family have understood that their loved one is dying or unlikely to survive this stroke
• Try to offer a contact number or follow up meeting
• Document who attended and what was discussed and any plans which were agreed including any dates for further meetings

These and other strategies to help have effective and sensitive discussions will be explored in much more detail during the scenarios.

Page last reviewed: 16 Jan 2023