The emerging needs of effective communication in palliative end-of-life care: a qualitative review

In dealing with terminal ill patients the ability to communicate effectively is the most important among all the various existing skills needed in palliative end-of-life care. Being with terminal illness is a time when patients were overwhelmed with several emotional feelings and unwanted thoughts. The health care providers at this point need to listen to the wishes of the dying individuals by communicating with them in the most appropriate way. Effective communication is the fundamental component in building the physicians and patient’s relationships and in building a trust towards one another for quality decision making at the end of life. However, due to the lack or absence of good communication in the Indian health care setting, most of the terminally ill patients received unwanted life-sustaining treatments alongside the inappropriate care, which they may not prefer, if they were asked about their preferences of care in their dying process. It is to be noted that, effective communication enables patients and family to make quality treatment decision and to meet their preferences for end of life care. Especially, when it comes for breaking the bad news to the patient’s and their family, effective communications plays an important role in the face of many barriers. Thus, the present study is form with the aim to improve quality of life through effective communication skills. The study highlights some guiding principles and objectives for physicians and other care providers when, how, and whom to communicate and break the bad news without hurting the sentiment of the dying patient and family.