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A Good Night
Author(s) -
MillerSmith Laura,
Plantz Diane M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
hastings center report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1552-146X
pISSN - 0093-0334
DOI - 10.1002/hast.277
Subject(s) - wonder , honesty , conversation , daughter , psychology , affect (linguistics) , quiet , social psychology , communication , law , political science , physics , quantum mechanics
Abstract As Josie's physicians, we developed trusting relationships with the family, relationships based on honesty. When their daughter passed away a week after the conversation described, at least we had not sheltered them from that possibility but prepared them for it. We continue to wonder, however, what words parents are hearing that we do not intend for them to hear. In addition, we wonder what words they are hearing that do not truly mean what they imply? How can health care providers caring for patients and families recognize that simple words like “good,” “stable,” and “quiet” may be misinterpreted and may affect the trust families place in our communication? As for us, we choose our words more carefully now .