Fearing Difficult Conversations & Other Challenging Interpersonal Interactions

     "Conveying troubling news and engaging in difficult conversations with patients and their families are pivotally important, although anxiety-provoking components of clinical practice. Clinicians who otherwise feel prepared and competent in their clinical duties may lack confidence and describe themselves as ill prepared for difficult interpersonal interactions. They may fear they will not be able to find the 'right words' or will say too much, too little, or the wrong thing altogether. Further, clinicians worry that imparting difficult news may diminish hope, compound a family’s suffering, or unleash emotional responses they feel unprepared to handle. Because of the complexities and challenges inherent in these difficult conversations, it is not uncommon for clinicians to delay, avoid, or delegate this vital area of clinical practice. ...
     For patients to feel they have been understood and well cared for, it is recognized that clinicians must attend to healthcare conversations on a deeper, more relational level."

       Meyer EC et al. Difficult conversations: improving communication skills and relational abilities in health care. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2009; 10(3): 352-9.

                    "Our deepest fears are like dragons
               guarding our deepest treasures"                  Rainer Maria Rilke

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