Abstract
In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis families require assistance especially when bad news needs to be faced. We developed a binary items talk protocol on various aspects of the disease at its late stages to be submitted to caregivers: it was also aimed at identifying the personality of the caregiver. The report was prepared as a 6-question score (0→10). Thirty-three subjects were identified. The caregivers’ ability to help the patient, the satisfaction after talk and level of comprehension were: 7.6, 7 and 6.4, respectively. The mean level of calm and confusion was 6 and 4.7, respectively. The average number of meetings was 2.33±1.1; 22% of caregivers needed only 1 meeting, 39% two and 39% >2. The average total time for the meetings was 54±26 min. A simple bad news communication protocol dedicated to caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may be used on a routine basis.
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Vitacca, M. How to communicate bad news to caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a human challenge. J Med Pers 8, 19–24 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12682-010-0040-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12682-010-0040-z