RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The decision to engage in end-of-life discussions: a structured approach for doctors in training
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 468
OP 471
DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.10-5-468
VO 10
IS 5
A1 Rory Conn
A1 Philip A Berry
YR 2010
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/10/5/468.abstract
AB Engaging in end-of-life discussions is a major source of anxiety for doctors in training. The authors propose the use of a decision-making model to assist trainees and their clinical supervisors in such situations. Divided into ‘patient-centred’ and ‘physician-centred’ components, the model ensures that the following aspects are analysed: patient and family safety, patient and family choice, physician competence and physician comfort. A real but historical end-of-life scenario is presented to a foundation year 1 doctor, and the particular risks of engaging in a discussion are subsequently clarified with reference to each of the model's components.