The ability to communicate bad news to a patient regarding terminal illness or to express a death of a loved one to waiting family is a key skill in healthcare. Once considered not critical to performance, it now is a key skill to recognizing that there is more to people than merely physical well being, but also mental and emotional. Hospitals and health facilities are now putting time and effort into training for staff to have the necessary skills to share bad news and how to properly communicate it. Still, many physicians try to pass the torch to others to do this for them.
Many are uncomfortable to communicate bad news but the necessity to learn about death, dying and grief and how to mentally and emotionally help individuals processing this information is something that needs addressed regardless of discomfort. Bedside manner, expressing bad news, and helping others cope are becoming part of the job description.
AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program helps train healthcare professionals and chaplains in helping the dying and families of the dying able to find consolation in those dark hours of bad news and death itself. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology
Please review the video below