Introduction

• This program has been designed to provide you with practical strategies and skills to use when interacting with family carers.
• It contains strategies to help you navigate challenging situations with a patient and their family carer - including when strong emotions such as anger arise and how to manage family conflict.

I'M BUSY - WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?

• Because it's likely you have never received any formal training on how to engage with a patient's family.
• Because developing a positive working relationship with family might take a bit longer at the start, but it is likely to pay off in the long term.
• Because a substantial proportion of patient complaints are actually reported by carers/relatives - many of which relate to health professional communication (such as lack of communication, information, or respect).
• Because being carer to a cancer patient is hard work. Family carers need relevant information and support to properly carry out their role.
• Because carers are the ones who supervise and care for your patient at home - quality patient care shouldn't stop when they leave the clinic