Palliative Medicine Family Conferences Reduce Spokesperson Distress and Enhance Communication in Advanced Cancer.

Introduction: Family conferences (FCs) may be important in communication. There is limited evidence about their value in palliative medicine. We examined specific information needs of patient-identified spokespersons (SP) and if the needs were met by a subsequent FC.

A prospective study of the clinical content of palliative medicine interdisciplinary team meetings.

Structured interprofessional communication should improve the structure and clarity of the plan of care. The interdisciplinary team meeting (IDTM) is an opportunity for shared information on patients' and family care needs. We report a prospective observations study of palliative medicine IDTM, which recorded the clinical issues discussed.

The family conference in palliative medicine: a practical approach.

A family conference (FC) is an opportunity for the family and their physician to share their knowledge and concerns about the physical and psychosocial dimensions of care. Appropriate communication principles and practice are both important for an effective FC. The FCs guided by common sense principles and sound clinical practice (good structure, content, and process) have beneficial outcomes.

The family conference in oncology: benefits for the patient, family, and physician.

The family conference (FC) is a forum for communication with both the patient and family to discuss essential information about medical, educational, and psychosocial needs. It ensures appropriate decision-making, which is integral to comprehensive cancer care. Inclusion of the family creates opportunities and challenges.

Family distress in palliative medicine: a pilot study of the family APGAR scale.

The family is essential to patients with advanced cancer. Family and caregiver distress, however, can impair optimal care and support of the patient. A five-item questionnaire, the Family APGAR Scale, was evaluated to determine family functioning levels of selected patients.