Review

The Patient

Question 1

List any general observations you made about David during the film clip.

Suggested Answer

  • David appears distressed
  • Difficulty with breathing
  • Agitated with staff members and situation

Question 2

List some of the factors that may have contributed to David’s distress.

Suggested Answer

  • David is not prepared for the conversation
  • The staff members do not appear prepared to have the conversation with David
  • The staff members are not prepared to answer David’s questions
  • David was not given time to process the conversation
  • Tone of voice of the staff members
  • The language used by the staff members

 

Situational Factors

Question 1

List any observations you made about the environment in which the conversation took place.

Suggested Answer

  • Busy environment
  • No family or significant others present

Question 2

List any situational factors that may have contributed to David’s distress.

Suggested Answer

  • Loud bedside and busy environment distracts from conversation
  • No family or significant others present at David’s bedside to process the conversation with
  • Staff were standing during the conversation and were not at eye level which may contribute to David’s distress

 

The Staff

Question 1

List any general observations you made about Jenny’s and Michael’s verbal and non-verbal communications.

Suggested Answer

  • Poor communication between the staff and David
  • Minimal eye contact
  • No evidence of active listening
  • Staff did not appear to have the time to answer David’s questions
  • Standing not sitting when speaking to David
  • Inappropriate tone of voice
  • The language that is used during the conversation
  • Staff appeared pressed for time and disinterested

Question 2

List some of the barriers to effective communication regarding limitation of medical treatment.

Suggested Answer

  • Language barriers
  • Limited feedback time
  • Emotional distractions
  • Personal behaviours
  • Body language and physical behaviours
  • Untrained staff in conducting conversations regarding limitation of medical treatment
  • Timing and place of the conversation

 

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