End of Life: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Patients

Authors

Laurean J. Winston, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Palliative Care

Abstract

Goals of care conversations help patients with serious medical conditions clarify what they value the most and hope to gain from their medical care. This topic is crucial in healthcare because it ensures medical care aligns with patient values, preferences, and priorities. A thorough search of comprehensive electronic databases was conducted, including an electronic search using PubMed and Google Scholar. While clinicians receive extensive training on how to identify and treat illnesses, communication techniques especially those centering around emotion-laden topics such as end-of-life care are limited. A consensus, operational approach can facilitate communication concerning serious medical illness to patients, families, and clinicians and provide the framework for researchers developing interventions to improve goal-concordant care.

Recommended Citation

Winston LJ. End of Life: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Patients. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2025; 7(3).