The end of a person’s life can be a terrifying time for a patient, their loved ones, and the healthcare professionals working with them. The challenge of confronting a person with their death is further complicated by the feelings and wishes of those around them, the presence or absence of a Medical Power of Attorney, Advance Care Plans, Advance Directives, and the potential chaos of the situation.

In the face of this complexity and emotion, it is not surprising that many medical professional are uncomfortable with end-of-life conversations. Research indicates as few as 20% of healthcare providers feel they have been properly trained to have these conversations. The following are key steps a healthcare provider can take to support their staff and provide better care to their patients.

Click here to read the full whitepaper from MTMI, a continuing education division of Herzing University.

Article by Randall Levin, MD, F.A.C.E.P.*