Kan dårlige nyheter kommuniseres på en god måte? : Legens utfordringer i møte med alvorlig syke pasienter

Abstract

During the last 30 years clinical communication has become a more prominent field in general medicine. It has become clear that a good relationship between the doctor and the patient is of great importance for the patient’s total clinical outcome. To be able to understand the patient’s underlying problems, the clinical communication needs to be of high quality. Cancer patients go through different phases that can be very demanding. It is of great importance that the doctor pay attention to the patient’s emotional, social and spiritual challenges, not only his physical complains. Good and efficient communication makes the patient more satisfied, and makes him understand both the diagnosis and the treatment in a better way. The chances of good compliance grow, and the risk of developing anxiety or depression reduces. In addition the doctor feels more competent. Cancer is an illness that influences both the patient and his relatives. The relatives are also in the right of care and this must be remembered. Doctors are a heterogeneous group, and studies have shown that the ability to communicate well not necessarily has to be an inborn quality. Neither do years of experience with cancer patients automatically result in clinical communication skills of high quality. Medical students are taught important factors needed in a conversation with a seriously ill patient. Feedback is very important. Learning communication skills is a long process. Therefore experienced doctors also need to focus on their communications skills through communication courses and follow-up.