Guideline 8: Family requests for nondisclosure of information
9 out of 11Specific Strategies
Explore and respect the patient's preferences to know (or not know) information about their illness
- Ask the patient how much information they would like to know about their illness, when family carers are present. This can help make the family more comfortable with disclosure.
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“What is your understanding of your medical condition?”
“Some people like to know everything about their illness, whereas others prefer not to know as much. How much would you like to know about your medical condition?”
- Ask the patient how they would like information to be communicated going forward (for example, if they would prefer to know only the basic details and for their family to participate in more in-depth discussions).
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“How would you like your family involved in discussions about your illness?”
“From what I’m understanding, you’d rather I have the in-depth conversations with your son, is that correct?”
- Tailor the information provided to the patient’s preferences.
OVERALL COMPLETION
