He's absolutely right. I have occasionally attempted to use some communication techniques I learned in palliative care training at home with my wife, with disastrous results. In my case, I usually try these techniques when I'm trying to get out of trouble for something (like not paying attention).
I created this video, called "take out the trash" for all of the spouses and partners who have endured when we talk like we are running a family meeting at home. We love you!
For the "communication experts" out there - see if you can spot "Ask-Tell-Ask," NURSE (Naming-Understanding-Respecting-Supporting-Exploring), and the "teach back" method.
(Click here to go to youtube if no video pops up below.)
I have to credit the inspiration. My wife showed me this hilarious video of an orthopedic surgeon talking to an anesthesiologist.
by: Alex Smith
Comments
I will say that there have been many techniques that I have picked up/been taught in palliative care which are helpful at home; but they're most team dynamics ones. The most useful by far has been informing my wife: I am going to tell you this because I need to vent or think out loud not because I am asking you to fix this for me. This helps to prevent 'why don't you do this...why don't you do this...' responses to my venting. Heck, this is a bedside technique that I was taught: meet emotion with emotion.
What's most hilarious about the ortho-anesthesia one is the computer-language mispronunciation of asystole. Initially I thought it was a deliberate joke to have the orthopedic surgeon pronounce it that way. Works really well.
These are AWESOME! I am LOL so hard I am crying. Can't wait to share these with my geriatrics and PC colleagues! Thanks so much for sharing!
I would love to see a series of exaggerated communication techniques.
I would love to see a series of exaggerated communication techniques.
I would love to see a series of exaggerated communication techniques.
I had seen the EMT-Nursing Home video using this animation tool a few months ago but had been struggling to figure out a way to use it to show some humorous sides of palliative care. Thanks for inspiring me Alex. Must get my creative juices flowing again.
Are your three posts of the same thing emphasizing the adult learning theory of hearing something a few times before internalizing it? And three times to exaggerate it!
;-)
A few responses:
-Drew Rosielle and James Tulsky (via email) point out that these communication techniques often ARE helpful in the home. I grant that's true...to an extent. I think spouses or partners are sensitive about the re-creation of the work environment at home. The home should be the home.
-Patrice, good point about these techniques sometimes falling flat with patients and families. I think for the most part, they work incredibly well, and are core skills for people practicing Geriatrics and Palliative Care. Analogous to a resident knowing how to perform a lumbar puncture. As Susan Block said in that Atul Gawande New Yorker article, these are necessary skills for difficult converations that can be taught and learned, like any procedure. But the other critical component is knowing to be flexible, and adapting to the situation. Communication is infinately complex, proceeds on multiple levels concurrently and over time (as people process conversations). That complexity part of why this field is so fun and interesting. Sometimes, however, these techniques just fall flat, sound condescending, or can seem evasive. You have to meet the patient or family where they are, and sometimes that's a straight up answer to a question, not a probe. At home, take out the trash means take out the trash; at work, sometimes the answer to a question about prognosis is the prognosis, not a follow up question.
-My favorite comment was an email from Susan Block, "Very funny. We trained you well."
-Dan, love the series idea (from your series of comments), please make one! It's easier than you think, and so fun! www.xtranormal.com.
- Eric, re the comedic potential of "hope for the best, prepare for the worst," yes! I incorporated into an extended version (along with "therapeutic silence" - thanks Drew) and emailed to you, let me know what you think.
-Christian, thanks for pointing out that some may have missed it, I just tweeted again, saying this is a new video post for those who may have missed it.
-Shelly and Ella, thanks for the props, and for spreading the word! So far, we've had over 500 views on this page and over 500 views on Youtube. Let's make this go viral!