::Dealing with relatives:: Dr Mahibur Rahman

Summary

Here are some of the keys to successfully dealing with relatives.

• Look and speak the part
• Make sure you know the case well - read over the notes carefully
• Turn off your phone and hand over your bleep so you aren't disturbed
• Use a quiet room with adequate seating
• Explain the facts clearly, avoiding medical jargon
• Offer to go over diagnoses and management
• Leave time for relatives to ask questions
• Offer to find out things you don't know
• Make notes and record what was said in the patient's notes

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