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INFORMATION Note: Use the back button on your browser to return to Activity 3. Is the answer still difficult There are good reasons why you may be unable to answer the question: inexperience, you don't have the information the person needs, or if it's an emotionally charged question (e.g. "Am I dying?).You cannot disclose the full facts unless the following conditions have been met:
There are some questions that have no clear answer because full information is not available. An example would be the patient who asks when they are going to die. Again, being honest with the situation is helpful. Start by acknowledging the uncertainty: "I can see this uncertainty is difficult for you". You need to be honest about how you feel: e.g. "I don't have the experience (or knowledge) to answer that question, but I'll get someone who can", or "I'm finding that difficult to answer", or even "I don't know what to say". People will respect your honesty, which demonstrates that you are taking their question seriously. It will be reassuring for the person to know that you will not abandon them so offer a future contact time: "I'll be interested to hear how you get on with ... If you want to talk about it with me later, please do". Remember: "The truth may hurt, but deceit hurts more." |
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