Communication in Palliative Nursing

Roger Woodruff, IAHPC Newsletter This book is written by four experts in communication (although it is noted that Parnell is also a nurse). It is written about and for the palliative care scene in the USA, but I think the principles discussed make it relevant elsewhere. If you work in palliative care and wonder whether your communication skills could be improved, or if you teach about communication in palliative care, then this book has a lot to offer.

Every clinical encounter encompasses an exchange of information, emotions and impressions. This book empowers nurses and other clinicians to use each encounter as a therapeutic opportunity. Extensively researched and authoritative, Communication in Palliative Nursing is a trove of resources for educators and investigators seeking to advance patient- and family-centered practice. - Ira Byock, MD, author of Dying Well and The Best Care Possible, Active Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University, Hanover, NH

Wittenberg, Goldsmith, Ragan, and Parnell's updates to Communication in Palliative Nursing truly reflect a down to earth approach for developing the skillful and empathic communication techniques needed for effective palliative and end-of-life care conversations. Changes to the COMFORT Model, such as "Connect" and "Making meaning" underscore the importance of the nurses role in bearing witness to patient and family suffering. The text shares poignant examples of how nurses can guide patients and families toward accurately understanding their palliative story, while also helping them to find meaning in their suffering. The authors deftly interweave clinical stories to illustrate communication strategies, providing a realistic "how-to" for nurses to incorporate in their everyday practice. - Mary J. Isaacson, RN, PhD, CHPN, Associate Professor, Graduate Nursing, South Dakota University College of Nursing, Rapid City, SD

It is with great enthusiasm that I read Drs. Wittenberg, Goldsmith, Ragan, and Parnell's new edition of Communication in Palliative Nursing. If we are to have a transformation in the delivery of care, we need to be more intentional and nuanced in our communication. The updates in this second edition resulted from iterative adaptations to our evolving field and have increased its relevancy and broadened its impact. I especially appreciate the books increased attention to exploring the Social Determinants of Health and recognizing how diversity too often equals disparity. We all benefit from a deeper understanding of how to create meaningful relationships with diverse people and this text provides practical skills to help us do so. - Shirley Otis-Green, MSW, MA, ACSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FNAP, Collaborative Caring, Toluca Lake, CA

The evidence-based COMFORT Model provides the necessary framework to guide patient-centered communication along the illness trajectory. The specific tools and exercises offered in this book are ...

Elaine Wittenberg is Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. She is co-founder of the COMFORT Communication project, a national health communication training program funded by the National Cancer Institute. Joy V. Goldsmith is a Professor at the University of Memphis in the Department of Communication and Film. She serves as Co-Director of the Center for Health Literacy and Health Communication at the University of Memphis. Sandra L. Ragan is Professor Emerita, Department. of Communication, University of Oklahoma, where she taught during the years 1983 - 2006 and also served as director of graduate studies and associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Terri Ann Parnell is a nurse, a recognized health literacy expert, and an award-winning author. She is Principal and Founder of Health Literacy Partners LLC. She is a consultant and frequent speaker on the topics of health literacy, cultural competency, and patient education.

1. Introduction to Communication Approach 2. C - Connect 3. O - Options 4. M - Making Meaning 5. F - Family 6. O - Openings 7. R - Relating 8. T - Team Appendix: Recommended Outcome Measure: Comfort with Communication in Palliative and End of Life Care (C-COPE) (c) Recommended COMFORT Communication Competencies By Chapter Recommended Comprehensive Teaching Resources