Explain the options (and have at least three). Communicating to your patient that he has treatment options will give him a sense of control as he faces what could be the biggest challenge of his life. Providing options also implies a partnership with your patient. In some situations, there may be only one definitive treatment, but you may be able to finesse its timing, location, and use of adjuvant therapies in order to give him some decision-making ability.
In 2005, I was told by a physician that I was a candidate for palliative care only. Today, I am happy to tell you that my ALL is in remission. But over the years, I have personally experienced the pitfalls described in this article, which can be avoided using the guidelines presented here.
Hippocrates once said, “Healing is a matter of time, but sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” When we find ourselves in the position of having to deliver bad news to our patients, we can indeed seize the moment as a potent opportunity to provide comfort and a sense of empowerment as they confront a serious and potentially fatal illness.