Medical communication skills challenge — Breaking bad news, challenge 2

physiciansapply.ca orientation
18 Jun 201804:33

Summary

TLDRIn the script, Dr. Alvarez introduces herself to Sebastian, a patient with a history of ovarian cancer, who has been experiencing bloating and bowel issues. The doctor reveals the unfortunate news that the cancer has returned, despite previous assurances of a complete removal. She explains the severity of the situation, the limitations of available treatments, and the absence of a cure. The patient is left in shock, requesting time alone before discussing further support options with a social worker.

Takeaways

  • 👩‍⚕️ Introduction: Dr. Alvarez introduces herself as a new resident who will be looking after Sebastian.
  • 🤝 First Meeting: Sebastian and Dr. Alvarez meet for the first time, acknowledging the frequent change of doctors.
  • 🏠 Personal Life: Sebastian mentions being divorced with children living out of town, indicating no immediate family support.
  • 🏥 Previous Condition: Sebastian had ovarian cancer two years ago and underwent an operation, believing it was fully removed.
  • 📋 Medical History: The script reveals that Sebastian has been experiencing bloating and bowel problems for the last six months.
  • 🔍 Recent Tests: Sebastian has undergone recent tests, including CT scan, ultrasound, and laparoscopy.
  • 😔 Difficult News: Dr. Alvarez informs Sebastian that the cancer has returned, which was confirmed by the laparoscopy.
  • 💊 Treatment Options: Dr. Alvarez mentions the existence of drugs for treatment but clarifies there is no cure for the current state of Sebastian's cancer.
  • 🚫 No Surgical Option: It is explained that the cancer has spread too much for surgery to be a viable option.
  • 🤔 Emotional Impact: Sebastian is surprised and confused by the news, expressing a sense of betrayal by her previous recovery.
  • 👫 Support Offered: Dr. Alvarez offers the support of a social worker and other staff to help Sebastian process the news.

Q & A

  • Who is the speaker in the transcript?

    -The speaker in the transcript is Dr. Alvarez, a resident doctor who has recently started looking after the patient.

  • What medical issue has the patient been experiencing?

    -The patient has been experiencing bloating and bowel problems for the last six months.

  • What was the patient's previous diagnosis?

    -The patient was previously diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago.

  • What was the outcome of the patient's previous surgery?

    -The patient was told that the ovarian cancer was completely removed during the surgery.

  • How has the patient been feeling since the surgery?

    -The patient has been feeling quite good since the surgery, with no major health issues reported.

  • What is the current situation with the patient's health?

    -The current situation is that the patient's cancer has returned, as revealed by the laparoscopy.

  • What does Dr. Alvarez suggest about the nature of ovarian cancer?

    -Dr. Alvarez suggests that ovarian cancer can sometimes recur, indicating that it can be unpredictable and difficult to cure completely.

  • What is the patient's living situation?

    -The patient is divorced, and her children live out of town, meaning she does not have immediate family at home to support her.

  • What is the prognosis for the patient's current condition?

    -The prognosis is not good; the cancer has spread throughout the abdomen, and there is no cure or surgical option available.

  • What treatment options are mentioned by Dr. Alvarez?

    -Dr. Alvarez mentions the use of drugs, which are very toxic, but also states that there is no cure for the patient's condition.

  • How does the patient react to the news of her condition?

    -The patient is initially shocked and requests some time alone to process the information before discussing further support options.

Outlines

plate

Dieser Bereich ist nur für Premium-Benutzer verfügbar. Bitte führen Sie ein Upgrade durch, um auf diesen Abschnitt zuzugreifen.

Upgrade durchführen

Mindmap

plate

Dieser Bereich ist nur für Premium-Benutzer verfügbar. Bitte führen Sie ein Upgrade durch, um auf diesen Abschnitt zuzugreifen.

Upgrade durchführen

Keywords

plate

Dieser Bereich ist nur für Premium-Benutzer verfügbar. Bitte führen Sie ein Upgrade durch, um auf diesen Abschnitt zuzugreifen.

Upgrade durchführen

Highlights

plate

Dieser Bereich ist nur für Premium-Benutzer verfügbar. Bitte führen Sie ein Upgrade durch, um auf diesen Abschnitt zuzugreifen.

Upgrade durchführen

Transcripts

plate

Dieser Bereich ist nur für Premium-Benutzer verfügbar. Bitte führen Sie ein Upgrade durch, um auf diesen Abschnitt zuzugreifen.

Upgrade durchführen
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Ähnliche Tags
Cancer RecurrencePatient CareDoctor-PatientEmotional SupportMedical NewsTreatment OptionsOvarian CancerHealthcareWellnessMedical Drama
Benötigen Sie eine Zusammenfassung auf Englisch?