Guideline 2: Encouraging carer attendance
4 out of 8ACTIVITY: Encouraging patient support for important consultations
Having family attend consultations where bad news is disclosed is important, but it can be hard to predict when those conversations will happen, and if a family member will be there.
Work through the below scenario and write what you might say to the patient. After you complete this section, we will show some responses from other clinicians and experts in the field.
Scenario
Gloria is being treated with chemotherapy for stage III colorectal cancer.
Based on her clinical profile, you suspect the cancer has metastasized to her liver.
You have referred Gloria to have a CT and have asked that she return next week to discuss the results.
Gloria’s son, Tim, sporadically attends consultations and appears to be an important source of support for Gloria.
Would you encourage Gloria to bring Tim to her next appointment when the CT results will be discussed? If so, how would you do this?
OVERALL COMPLETION
