Part and parcel of medical education is learning about delivering bad news to patients and their families. During these 3 years, I have observed how different doctors deliver bad news. Some distance themselves in rather subtle ways like not sitting down near the patient, while others would reach out and hold their hands. Some deliver news as if they are news anchors while others say it in a way that is just like how we have normal conversations with friends.
Over the past couple of days, I had more opportunities to observe it. One doctor delivered the news in a calm but sympathetic manner, like how we would console a friend in need. I was observing the interaction between the doctor and the patient and his son. The patient was rather stoic about it, although I could see that the son was having some problems dealing with it. No, there wasn't tears or sobs but just that the son was vigorously nodding his head which to me seems to be a over-compensatory response.
Another doctor did not actually in words says "Your mum is probably not going to make it." But he conveyed the message and I think the family got the message but is still finding it difficult to accept the fact. I think they are still hoping that their mum will be able to get better. They accepted the fact that there is no cure but I think they are still hoping for an improvement.
But the common outcome in all, is that the patient and families get the message and there is no hysterical sobs/crying. Perhaps that will come later when we are not around. But from what I observed, it does make a big difference to the patient and their families if bad news is delivered sensitively by the treating physicians. I hope when the day comes when I am in that shoe, I'll be able to achieve that outcome.
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