As discussed in Part 2, the SPIKES framework is useful to explore the family’s understanding of their loved one’s illness and to share information about medical condition and prognosis. When the purpose of a family meeting is to discuss goals of care, it may be useful to “unpack” care goals using the REMAP framework.
Just as for any medical procedure, conducting a meeting with families of seriously ill patients requires training and practice. Practitioners must develop skills in structuring serious-illness conversations and responding with empathy in emotionally fraught situations.
Timely, well-conducted conversations about goals of care in serious illness are associated with improved outcomes, including care aligned with the ill person’s values, less unwanted (and often expensive) care, improved satisfaction with care, and fewer mental health consequences for patients and families.
What is the highest good and who decides? Here are some reflections on that question from Lamar Hankins.
Say hello to Althea Halchuck, FEN’s new surrogate consultant.
More FEN members share why they care about the right to die in general, and why they joined FEN in particular.
Has anyone ever told you that suicide (by whatever name) interferes with the will of God? It doesn’t, if you really know what the Bible says.
Did you catch the virtual Beautiful Dying Expo? Here’s a recap with some personal reflection.
