title: An overview of the end-of-life discussion.
abstract: Good communication with patients can be a powerful tool in palliative care. However, discussing fears and anxieties at length is also something that many nurses find difficult. This article provides an overview of one approach to using the power of communication, the end-of-life discussion. Practical issues are considered, as well as suggestions as to what to include in such a discussion. Concepts of loss and meaning for the person with advanced disease are looked at. The article also considers some of the key communication skills that are especially valuable, such as active listening, ways of encouraging disclosure and the handling of silences.
authors.affiliation: St Margaret's Hospice, Heron Drive, Bishop's Hull, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5HA, UK.
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010166:Palliative Care; D013727:Terminal Care