Vital Talk is a highly respected resource from the US, pioneered by Dr Anthony Back. In the absence of face to face training and role-play, watching videos is probably the next best option. Vital Talk is recognised globally as a highly valued resource.
This series of brief expert videos are from the US, but the principles and guidance are universal and have been recommended as key resources in the UK.
- Establish Rapport
- Disclose Serious News When giving difficult news, less is more
- Address Goals of Care Smoothing discussions about prognosis and treatment
- Offer Prognostic information Balance hope and realism
- Track and Respond to Emotions Naming and respecting an emotion
- Defuse Conflicts Responding to anger, surface vs deeper emotions, cognitive maps
- Bear Witness to the End Helping patients find acceptance including requests to hasten death
- Cultivating Your Skills A set of tools to become a better communicator
These videos are backed up by One Page Communication Guides from Vital Talk.
What Matters Conversations
A group of leading UK palliative clinicians and GPs have produced an excellent 10 minute video highlighting 'what matters' conversations
Difficult Conversations
Difficult Conversations is a training programme endorsed by The General Medical Council.
This article shares 10 top tips regarding difficult conversations – shared by Dr Catherine Millington-Sanders.
The following information is sourced from TalkCPR
Many of our difficult conversations relate to our obligation to discuss resuscitation decisions with patients. Talk CPR, a Welsh resource developed by Professor Mark Taubert, provides brief excellent video examples of these vital discussions.