Dying to Talk

Carmel Collins, Jean Barber, Marie Lynch, Lasarina Maguire, Niamh O Donnell, Anne Quinn & Dr Suzanne Timmons.

References. 1. Clayton JM, Hancock KM, Butow PN, Tattersall MH, Currow DC. Clinical practice guidelines for communicating prognosis and end-of-life issues with adults in the advanced stages of a life-limiting illness, and their caregivers. Med J Aust [serial on the internet].2007, Jun [cited March 28, 2014]; 186(12):S77, S79, S83-108. 2. Johnson A, Chang E, Daly J, Harrison K, Noel M, Easterbrook S, et al. The communication challenges faced in adopting a palliative care approach in advanced dementia. Int J Nurs Pract [serial on the Internet]. 2009, Oct [cited April 8, 2014]; 15(5): 467-474.

Communicating with People who have Dementia

on their Future & End-of-Life Care.

BACKGROUND

People dying with dementia are a very vulnerable group of people, who are at risk of never being formally diagnosed or being involved in end-of-life care (EOLC) discussions. Many healthcare professionals are reluctant to initiate EOLC discussions with people with dementia due to fears of causing distress, role uncertainty and lack of confidence (1). However, it is important that these challenges are overcome so people with dementia are given timely information so they can make informed decisions, have realistic expectations and avoid burdensome interventions at their end-of-life. To date, there has been a notable absence in the literature to support staff to initiate in EOLC discussions (2).

METHOD

Literature review was completed (using

PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane).

Expert Advisory Group convened & collaborated

over a 6 month period.

Consulted with advisory groups, specialists

& service users.

GUIDANCE

DOCUMENT

2. Highlighted the specific communication needs of

people with dementia

1. Tailored for all healthcare staff & for

all care settings

4. Developed a practical framework to support

meaningful discussions

3. Optimised staff’s capacity to positively

engage with people who have dementia

FINDINGS

1

2

3

Dementia does not equate to complete loss of the ability to communicate but to a

different system of communication. Research strongly suggests the need for

healthcare professionals to develop their skills in effectively communicating with

people with dementia so meaning discussions on end-of-life care can become

embedded into routine practice.