Dr. Sanchez considers various activities when preparing the setting for an end-of-life discussion. The doctor secures a private meeting room for the patient’s family with enough seating to accommodate the family. She also takes a tissue box to the room as preparation for any emotions that may arise because of the difficult conversation she will initiate with the patient’s daughter and her son-in-law.
Dr. Sanchez also reviews the 74-year-old veteran’s medical records, thoroughly looking through them to provide their family with accurate and large volumes of information depending on their reception of the news and acceptance to communicate her medical diagnosis. The doctor also ensures the discussion setting is uninterrupted.
She aims to be immersed in the conversation with the patient’s family and gives her pager to a colleague. Additionally, Dr. Sanchez turns off her cell phone to further avoid the possibility of disturbance as she conducts the important talk. She also arranges the seating to ensure eye contact with the family members.