Which action demonstrates patient-centered communication at end of life?

Which action demonstrates patient-centered communication at end of life?

• A. Explaining only minimal information.
• B. Providing information only when asked.
• C. Checking understanding, eliciting goals, and discussing options.
• D. Making decisions unilaterally to avoid distress.

Answer: (C)

Patient-centered communication at end of life means actively engaging the patient to understand their goals, values, and what matters most, and weaving that into care decisions. The best approach is to check understanding, elicit goals, and discuss options because it invites the patient to share priorities, ensures they understand what each option involves, and supports shared decision making aligned with their values. For example, asking what outcomes would be acceptable to them and what trade-offs they’re willing to consider, then clearly outlining options and their pros and cons, demonstrates this approach. The other approaches fall short because they restrict information, remain passive, or bypass the patient’s autonomy by making decisions unilaterally.

Patient-centered communication at end of life means actively engaging the patient to understand their goals, values, and what matters most, and weaving that into care decisions. The best approach is to check understanding, elicit goals, and discuss options because it invites the patient to share priorities, ensures they understand what each option involves, and supports shared decision making aligned with their values. For example, asking what outcomes would be acceptable to them and what trade-offs they’re willing to consider, then clearly outlining options and their pros and cons, demonstrates this approach. The other approaches fall short because they restrict information, remain passive, or bypass the patient’s autonomy by making decisions unilaterally.