Question

A patient passing away is part of the health-wellness continuum. The stages of grief are applicable to healthcare providers as well as family. How might you tell other patients who inquire on the passed patient?

Answer 1

Telling patients they're going to die is less dramatic than one might think, and contrary to popular belief, most doctors refuse to estimate how many weeks or months patients have left to live. Doctors must be as straightforward as possible when delivering the news. It's better to be honest than making false hopes.