The unavoidable conversations about an unknown diagnosis that all physicians must have with patients at some point throughout their careers is what prompted Gordon Schiff, MD, a patient safety researcher at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, to put together a team and identify the best ways to go about doing so.
Researchers spoke to patient advocates, physicians, patients and other experts to determine the critical components of a conversation like this and developed six strategies:
- If there is not a diagnosis, say that and also explain what the most likely diagnosis could be along with any alternatives if there is not much certainty.
- Explain what next steps will entail.
- Detail any limitations a next-step test or examination may have.
- Clarify an expected time frame for their recovery from what they are experiencing based on the knowledge you do have.
- Clearly explain how they can contact you going forward.
- Listen to their reaction to what you’ve shared with them. Respond to questions.
