SHM's Clinical Quick Talks-A Guide for Conducting a Family Meeting Modified “SPIKES”

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This guide provides a modified version of the SPIKES method for conducting a family meeting to deliver bad news in a medical setting. The SPIKES method was originally developed for disclosing bad news in oncology. The goal of the method is to enable clinicians to gather information from the patient, transmit medical information, provide support to the patient, and collaborate with the patient in developing a treatment plan. <br /><br />The guide outlines the steps for conducting a family meeting using the modified SPIKES method. These steps include setting up the situation by reviewing the patient's chart and clarifying goals of the meeting, assessing the patient and family's perception of the medical situation, determining how much information is wanted, providing knowledge about the patient's illness and prognosis, using empathic statements to respond to emotions, discussing strategies and making decisions based on patient and family goals, and offering a summary of the meeting. <br /><br />The guide also emphasizes the importance of maintaining eye contact, avoiding medical jargon, checking frequently on what the family has heard, and being transparent about uncertainty. It suggests using empathic statements to acknowledge and validate emotions rather than trying to solve them. It also encourages exploring the patient's values, attitudes, and beliefs, as well as understanding cultural influences on communication and decision-making. <br /><br />The guide concludes with the importance of documenting the meeting in the patient's chart, expressing appreciation and respect for the family, and making a clear follow-up plan. The guide provides citations to relevant research articles on the SPIKES method and communication in oncology.

Asset Subtitle

Elizabeth A. Cerceo

Keywords

SPIKES method

family meeting

delivering bad news

medical setting

oncology

treatment plan

empathic statements

decision-making

communication

follow-up plan