Difficult Conversations

Talking to patients and their families about death and dying can be a difficult process. The aim of this presentation is to explore the skill of managing difficult conversations with patients and their families.

Facilitated by Dr David Holden, this event is an opportunity to explore the skill of managing difficult conversations with patients and families. There is opportunity to identify why and how communication can be improved. Simple communication tips will be described. David will cover managing emotion, conflict and family meetings. There will be opportunity to ask questions, and to learn from David’s experience and mistakes. Resources for ongoing learning will be described and provided.

Dr David Holden

Dr David Holden is a consultant in palliative medicine, working with the Northern Adelaide Palliative Service. In 2016, he travelled to Aspen and undertook faculty training with VitalTalk, an US based palliative care communication education provider. This communications training has continued into 2017 with The Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

David will introduce a communication framework used in managing difficult conversations. By the end of this presentation, you should know more about how to:

• Identify how good communication benefits both patient and clinician
• Refine your approach in conducting family meetings
• Recognise and respond to emotional cues during a consultation
• Identify patient and clinician agendas, including transitions of care
• Manage conflict and ambivalence.

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and Palliative Care SA