Be able to close the conversation with a concrete plan and a brief summary, after checking understanding.
Strategy & Summary: don't leave them alone
S — Strategy & Summary
Hard news robs the future of clarity. The final step gives back something to hold on to: a concrete next step and a brief summary.
First check readiness: a person who is still in tears isn't ready to discuss a plan — go back to empathy. When they're ready, offer a clear plan: what happens next, who does what, when you'll meet next, where to turn with questions. Even when it can't be “cured,” there is always a plan — symptom control, support, care for quality of life. “There's nothing more we can do” is almost never true.
Then briefly summarize the main points and check understanding: “Let me sum up briefly, and you correct me if I've missed anything.” And leave the door open: “You'll have questions later — here's how to reach me.”
Lesson notes
S — Strategy & Summary
Hard news robs the future of clarity. The final step gives back something to hold on to: a concrete next step and a brief summary.
First check readiness: a person who is still in tears isn't ready to discuss a plan — go back to empathy. When they're ready, offer a clear plan: what happens next, who does what, when you'll meet next, where to turn with questions. Even when it can't be “cured,” there is always a plan — symptom control, support, care for quality of life. “There's nothing more we can do” is almost never true.
Then briefly summarize the main points and check understanding: “Let me sum up briefly, and you correct me if I've missed anything.” And leave the door open: “You'll have questions later — here's how to reach me.”