Guideline 10: Conflicting patient-carer treatment preferences
9 out of 14Specific strategies
Express empathy and explore the emotions behind the views of the patient and family.
- Explore the emotions behind the views of the patient and family. 52,61
- Try to better understand WHY they have a particular preference, and if there are any emotions behind it.
- For example, behind the preference for a (non medically indicated) bilateral mastectomy may be fear/anxiety of cancer being in the other breast.
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“This is a difficult decision, and it has a big impact on both of you. I think it would be helpful if we spoke more about the reasons why you would prefer [decision], and how you are feeling about it. Patient, perhaps you could talk first, then [family carer]”.
OVERALL COMPLETION
