

Talking the tough talk
Using simulation for communication between health care workers, patients at end of life and families
Lead health service: Werribee Mercy Hospital
Clinicians at Werribee Mercy Hospital are having increasing numbers end of life conversations. It has been identified that end-of-life conversations are often inadequate and occur late. Staff need to have the opportunity to develop these skills in a safe environment. Health care workers are frequently involved in end-of-life care communication despite limited training or experience.
This project uses simulation and didactic elements from successfully running international courses (When Enough is Enough, Oncotalk, ADAPT) to provide a road map for communication between health care workers, patients at end of life and families, integrating a patient-centered approach into comprehensive care delivered by Mercy Health.