- Build rapport/whakawhanaungatanga with the person – for more information about how to do this, see the serious illness conversations reference guide for health care professionals.
- Acknowledge how this is difficult but it is important. If you are not face to face, acknowledge that this is not ideal.
- Work through the Serious Illness Conversation Guide, stick to the order of the conversation prompts and, where possible, use the words in the guide to:
- check their understanding of the situation
- clarify any misunderstandings
- share the prognosis
- allow the person and/or their whānau the opportunity and space to respond, acknowledge their emotions, pause…
- explore what the patient's/resident's priorities and worries are
- summarise what you heard and shared
- share a recommendation or propose a plan.
Related resources
Last updated 16/02/2021
