Including a Chaplain and Culturally Sensitive Notary in End-of-Life and Earlier Difficult Healthcare Issues

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges physicians face is living up to their own ideals, let alone others’ expectations, for high-stakes doctor-patient/family communication, especially at the end of life. From emotional strains to time limitations, a multiplicity of factors obfuscates the pursuit of excellence in this vital endeavor. Evidence suggests that African American patients and families are most likely to get the short end of this physician communication stick. Drawing on the current literature, this piece makes a compelling case for the inclusion of third-party specialists to take some of the communication load off of overworked physicians in end-of-life discussions and earlier difficult healthcare issues. A more team-oriented approach to the interdisciplinary art of shared decision making (SDM) may be a win-win for everyone involved.