Learning modules
Activity 6: Michelle’s illness progresses
Michelle attends a follow-up appointment with Dr Meredith North, her medical oncologist. She has completed her radiotherapy and has commenced the palliative chemotherapy. She is exhausted and looks unwell.
She is symptomatic with breathlessness and expresses her concern about this. Meredith assesses her breathlessness and develops a management plan with Michelle and Pete. As part of this plan, she introduces the concept of palliative care.
Thinking points
Activity 6: Michelle’s illness progresses
Thinking points
Activity 6: Michelle’s illness progresses
- What do you think would be the main sources of distress for Michelle and Pete at this time?
- What specific communication strategies did Meredith use to
(a) respond to her distress;
(b) introduce the concept of palliative care? - What additional communication strategies could the oncologist use to improve this interaction?
