Sample interview questions: How do you handle situations where a patient’s family is in denial about the patient’s prognosis in critical care?
Sample answer:
Handling Family Denial in Critical Care
Emphasize Empathy and Understanding
Acknowledge the family’s emotions and validate their perspective. Empathize with their difficulty in accepting the prognosis, but avoid contradicting their beliefs directly.
Provide Clear and Accurate Information
Gather objective data from the medical team and present it in a compassionate and sensitive manner. Explain the patient’s condition, treatment options, and likely outcomes.
Use Supportive Language and Avoid Jargon
Speak in plain language that the family can understand. Avoid using medical jargon or technical terms that may alienate them. Instead, focus on the patient’s well-being and goals of care.
Encourage Family Involvement
Allow the family to participate in decision-making and care discussions. Encourage them to ask questions and express their concerns. Provide regular updates and invite them to visit the patient.
Respect Boundaries and Allow Time for Processing
Understand that denial is often a coping mechanism. Respect the family’s need for time to process the i… Read full answer
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