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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.

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