Your patient's condition takes a sudden turn. How can you ease the worries of anxious family members?

La relación médico-paciente-FAMILIARES, es la base que sustenta el acto médico, la comunicación debe ser oportuna, coloquial y precisa para su comprensión, los cambios repentinos en la condición clínica de un paciente deben ser planteados previamente, siendo así "repentino el cambio en la condición del paciente" pero no la "información brindada por el profesional", la previsibilidad es un aliado en el control de la ansiedad.

Understanding all aspects of patient care and outcomes, simplification of communicative needs to family members are essential. Be ready to answer difficult questions and be a resource to help them direct questions to the appropriate parties involved in health care decisions. Many times I have had to enter the family visiting area to answer questions and keep the family updated on the situation(s) at hand. There is a lot of anxiety on behalf of the family when there is a "wall" between themselves and their loved one(s) who are involved in an acute situation. This is where communication is important.

When your patient's condition takes a sudden turn, here’s how you can ease the worries of anxious family members: 1. Provide Clear Updates: Communicate openly and honestly about the patient's status and any changes in their condition. 2. Offer Emotional Support: Listen actively to family members' concerns and provide reassurance and empathy during this difficult time. 3. Involve Them in Care Decisions: Keep family members informed and involve them in discussions about the patient's care and treatment options.

Communication is everything. At the bedside, explanation of all the tubes and alarms gives the family an idea of the severity of the situation at hand. We leave the discussion about outcomes to the physician, yet explain the current situation and processes of care to help and support the patient.

Support is everything. Holding a hand while giving an explanation, sitting with family members through a grief process, giving direction to the next phase of the patient journey, and what the next few hours of care will entail. Social services should be notified as part of the team approach to care and compassion.

A patient may be an organ donor and have evidence of advanced directives on their chart, yet family members may not know of the patient's choice(s). Education is helpful to the family, as it may relieve their anxiety of having to make a decision on the spot.

As a manager, I would prioritize open and compassionate communication with the family members. I'd ensure they are updated promptly and accurately about the patient's condition, prognosis, and the actions being taken. Offering them a comfortable space to ask questions and express concerns is crucial. Providing emotional support, such as connecting them with a counselor or chaplain if needed, shows empathy. Additionally, maintaining transparency about the care plan and involving them in decision-making can alleviate anxiety and build trust during such critical moments.