I received a couple of voicemails from Nick Herren’s father. The family is quite upset, given their son’s situation, and they have a lot of questions. I’ve attached Nick Herren’s chart and forwarded you the voicemails from his father.

Answer the family’s questions

I’ll need you to answer the family’s questions, but I’d like to hear what you plan on saying before you speak with them.

Prepare notes on how you plan to respond. Then, I’d like you to practice your delivery in front of me, and I’ll act as if I were Mr. Herren to give you a feel for how he might react to what you are saying. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• To help the family understand their son’s condition, clarify it in terms of various states of consciousness, unconsciousness, and death. These concepts get at the heart of the family’s questions, but are often hard for folks to grasp.

• Be thorough in your answers – this is probably the most difficult, painful, frightening situation they have ever faced. They need to completely understand their son’s condition; they need to make some very difficult decisions about their son’s future.

• As you think about how to respond, keep in mind that they are not doctors. They may not understand many of the medical terms you are using. Be sure to define any terms or concepts that you think they may be unfamiliar with. Remember, it is critical that they understand what you are telling them. Be clear and precise.

• It’s important to be sensitive to the family’s situation, but you also need to be accurate and objective when providing them with the information they requested. Carefully frame your responses in terms of science and medicine, not your personal opinions.

I have attached some notes with a few additional thoughts to keep in mind as you prepare to address the family’s specific concerns.

I look forward to hearing how you plan to respond to the family.

Regards,

Chris Lang, M.D.

Highland Hospital