Core Elements of Serious Illness Conversations
Author Information
Author(s): Rebecca Baxter, Susanna Pusa, Sofia Andersson, Erik K Fromme, Joanna Paladino, Anna Sandgren
Primary Institution: Center for Collaborative Palliative Care, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus UniversityâVaxjo Campus, Vaxjo, Sweden
Hypothesis
This integrative systematic review aimed to identify and describe core elements of serious illness conversations in relation to the SICP and/or SICG.
Conclusion
Core elements of serious illness conversations included explicating the intention, framing, expectations and directions for the conversation.
Supporting Evidence
- Serious illness conversations serve different functions that are reflected in how they are conveyed.
- Serious illness conversations endeavour to discover what matters to patients.
- Serious illness conversations seek to align what patients want in their life and care.
Takeaway
This study looked at important parts of conversations about serious illness to help doctors and patients communicate better about what matters most to the patients.
Methodology
Literature published between 1 January 2014 and 20 March 2023 was searched in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and PubMed, and data were analyzed with thematic synthesis.
Potential Biases
Two authors in the current study authored several articles included in the review, which may have influenced the interpretation.
Limitations
Most studies originated from North America, indicating a possible lack of cultural diversity.
Participant Demographics
The majority of articles were from North American inpatient clinical settings.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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