I see trainees give prognosis ("days to weeks") immediately after "how much time I have left?"

It is crucial (and awful) information, and has to be delivered carefully (and as best as possible).

Things I pay attention to (mini thread)

When they ask "how much time?"

1/

- Make sure they are ready to hear. "Is it ok to share that info?"

- Emphasize uncertainty. "we cannot give you the exact number (bcz we don't know), but we can give you our best guess"

2/

- Make it vague and prepare them (the precise number doesn't help here). "I answer with ranges of time, like hours to days, days to weeks, weeks to months, months to years"

- Give enough space. "in your case, it is probably in the range of (pause) days to weeks... (pause)"

3/

- Expect emotions. I usually follow up with "Is this surprising to you?"

- Be prepared with NURSE statements.

You should develop your own style and PRACTICE!

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