What are signs of prognosis communication gaps, and how can they be addressed?

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Multiple Choice

What are signs of prognosis communication gaps, and how can they be addressed?

Prognosis communication gaps show up when what patients and families expect about illness trajectory doesn’t line up with what clinicians communicate, and when there is uncertainty about what lies ahead. Signs include mismatches between expectations and medical reality, confusion about what prognosis means for care, questions that people keep asking without feeling understood, and decisions that don’t seem aligned with the patient’s goals. Addressing these gaps starts with clear, honest, compassionate conversation. Use plain language, avoid medical jargon, and check understanding with teach-back or by asking the patient or family to summarize what they heard. Bring up prognosis in multiple conversations over time, recognizing that both the medical situation and the patient’s goals can evolve. Express empathy, acknowledge uncertainty when it exists, and explicitly connect prognosis to care goals and decisions. Involve the whole care team to ensure consistent messages, and provide written summaries or decision aids to reinforce understanding and help families process information.

Prognosis communication gaps show up when what patients and families expect about illness trajectory doesn’t line up with what clinicians communicate, and when there is uncertainty about what lies ahead. Signs include mismatches between expectations and medical reality, confusion about what prognosis means for care, questions that people keep asking without feeling understood, and decisions that don’t seem aligned with the patient’s goals.

Addressing these gaps starts with clear, honest, compassionate conversation. Use plain language, avoid medical jargon, and check understanding with teach-back or by asking the patient or family to summarize what they heard. Bring up prognosis in multiple conversations over time, recognizing that both the medical situation and the patient’s goals can evolve. Express empathy, acknowledge uncertainty when it exists, and explicitly connect prognosis to care goals and decisions. Involve the whole care team to ensure consistent messages, and provide written summaries or decision aids to reinforce understanding and help families process information.

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