Thread by @drkathrynmannix

#TipsForNewDocs
Some patients are sick enough to die. They may pull through. They might not.
Say 'sick enough to die' to pt & family. Not 'serious.' Not 'critical.' Not 'unstable.' Name death as a possibility, & plan good #eol care in parallel with current treatment plan.
1/

If your patient is sick enough to die, get support from your seniors &/or pall care team.
Patients who see the pall care team are not obliged to die.
Pall care can help you with parallel planning, support pt/family/staff (you!), in ER, wards or ICU.
2/

A common complaint from families when patient dies is 'we didn't realise s/he might die!'
They are told about sepsis/low oxygen sats/hypotension/poor blood supply to vital organ(s) but this doesn't communicate 'sick enough to die.'
Use your D-words.
3/

When someone who was 'sick enough to die' gets better, everyone is delighted. That's a win.
When they don't, the mental preparation time for families can make a big difference to their bereavement. That's also important.
#onechancetogetitright
4/

Death isn't a medical failure, it's a biological certainty.
But poorly-managed death IS a medical failure. Get advice. Call for any question. That's how you'll learn.
Let's make enabling the best death possible a medical outcome to be proud of.
You can do this. Good luck.
5/5