Death-talks: transformative learning for physicians.
Conversations between physicians and their patients concerning terminal conditions are undoubtedly an uneasy process. These conversations are referred in this article as death-talks. Death-talks are social engagements among meaning-making human beings, and such encounters comprise complex grief dynamics as well as opportunities for personal insight. Towards preparing for and improving upon such sensitive and crucial talks, physicians must become growingly informed of their own existential standpoints in order to exude a more authentic presence. Transformative Learning is a theory of adult learning offering a rationale for physicians to exercise critically reflexive learning towards formulating a more meaningful medical and human care for those who are dying and their grieving relations.
Adult Education, University of Georgia; and Bereavement Coordinator, Odyssey Healthcare, Athens, Georgia, USA. esther@uga.edu
Paul J
PJ
Moon
D003142:Communication; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D019452:Terminally Ill