Do No Harm: What Researchers Say Doctors Should Avoid Telling Patients
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In a recent paper published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings researchers describe clinicians must engage in "compassionate communication" as part of the treatment process. They have identified so-called “never words” that should not be said under any circumstances; offer methods for clinicians to identify their own never words; and provide more helpful language to use instead.
“Communicating the nature, purpose and intended duration of often complex treatments, and setting realistic expectations about what they offer still comes up against timeless patient experiences: fear, intense emotions, lack of medical expertise, and the sometimes unrealistic hope for cure,” researchers write. The “intense, daunting nature of these conversations” may cause clinicians to resort to learned communication habits or declarative statements.
Even a single word may scare patients and families, make them feel disempowered, and possibly negate the effectiveness of shared decision making.
“Never-words are conversation stoppers,” the researchers write. “They seize power from the very patients whose own voices are essential to making optimal decisions about their medical care.” Utilizing clinician surveys, the researchers identified never words, including:
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