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Silence is not golden: conversations with the dying
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
|June 24, 2000
Summary
Clinicians acting as existential messengers during end-of-life conversations require self-awareness, clear personal beliefs about life and death, and the capacity for empathetic presence. This role profoundly impacts clinicians, fostering wisdom and personal growth.
Area of Science:
- * Medical Humanities
- * Clinical Communication
- * Existential Psychology
Background:
- * End-of-life care necessitates effective communication, extending beyond medical facts to address profound existential concerns.
- * The role of clinicians as "existential messengers" is crucial for supporting patients confronting mortality.
Observation:
- * Conversations about dying engage patients and clinicians on intellectual and emotional planes.
- * Clinicians' ongoing presence is key to validating their role as existential messengers.
Findings:
- * Effective existential communication requires clinicians to recognize their strengths and limitations.
- * Essential clinician attributes include clarity on life/death perspectives, active listening, and presence amid anguish.
- * A strong belief in the value of this work is paramount for clinicians.
Implications:
- * Engaging in end-of-life dialogues transforms clinicians, enriching their personal biographies.
- * This challenging work cultivates wisdom and enhances clinicians' professional and personal development.