Ask the Healthcare Staff [Checklist]
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EmailThe doctor does not seem familiar with our family's views about dying. What should we do? America is a rich melting pot of religions, races, and cultures. Ingrained in each tradition are expectations about what should happen as a life nears its end. It is important for everyone involved in a patient's care to understand how each family background may alter expectations, needs, and choices. You may come from a different background than the doctor you are working with. You might be used to a different approach to talking about what is happening or making health care decisions at the end of life than the medical staff is. For example, many health care providers look to a single person-the dying person or his or her chosen representative-for important health care decisions at the end of life. But, in some cultures the entire immediate family takes on that role, something American doctors might not expect. It is helpful to discuss your personal and family traditions with your doctors and nurses. Don't be reluctant to say what you want. Each person - each family - is entitled to the end-of-life care that best matches their beliefs and rituals. Make sure you understand how the available medical options presented by the health care team fit into your family's desires for end-of-life care.
If there are religious or cultural customs surrounding death that are important to you, tell the health care providers with whom you are working. Knowing that these practices will be honored could ease the dying person. Telling the medical staff ahead of time may also help avoid confusion and misunderstanding when death occurs.
Questions to Ask
Here are some examples of the kinds of questions you might want to ask the medical staff caring for the dying person:
- What is the care plan?
- If we try using the ventilator to help with breathing and decide to stop, how will that be done?
- If we try the treatment plan you are suggesting and then decide to stop, what will happen?
- If my family member is dying, why does he or she have to be connected to all those tubes and machines? Why do we need more tests?
- What is the best way for our family to work with the care staff?
- How can I make sure I get a daily update on my family member's condition?
- Will you call me if there is a change in his or her condition?
Things to Share
Make sure the health care team knows what is important to your family surrounding the end of life. You might say:
- In my religion, we ... (then describe your religious traditions regarding death).
- Where we come from ... (tell what customs are important to you at the time of death).
- In our family when someone is dying, we prefer ... (describe what you hope to have happen).
Related Videos & Articles
More Information
Source:
National Institute on Aging
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