Communication at the End of Life
Marlene McHugh, Penelope R. Buschman, Susan Delisle
Abstract
Abstract Effective and compassionate communication is vital in palliative care, especially at the end of life. Using a family systems perspective, this chapter explores communication as the therapeutic thread woven through the fabric of a family’s grief over the trajectory of the patient’s illness and beyond the patient’s death. It discusses communication with families in person and by telephone when death is unexpected. It reviews significant barriers to end-of-life communication with vulnerable populations, such as those with sensory motor and cognitive deficits, severe and persistent mental illness, and developmental disabilities. It highlights communication challenges posed by COVID-19. It notes the importance of communication among advanced practice registered nurses to enhance their self-awareness and their ability to respond to patients at the end of life.