Managing challenging conversations by telephone with people living with cancer
Nurses working in cancer care can often find themselves engaged in challenging conversations with patients and their family members or carers. These conversations can cover a range of emotive subjects due to the negative effects of cancer on people and those close to them. Such conversations have become more challenging due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because increasingly they have had to be conducted over the telephone.
This article examines some of the psychological effects of cancer and considers some ways in which nurses can engage in challenging telephone conversations with patients with cancer, including the use of mnemonic frameworks. The article also explores the importance of nurses’ self-care and how this can underpin safe practice.
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Why you should read this article
- to appreciate that engaging in challenging conversations by telephone with people living with cancer can be difficult
- to recognise the importance of using a clear structure to provide information efficiently and with empathy and compassion
- to contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)
- to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)
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