Navigating the Painful Process of Informing Families About Death: The Skills and Compassion Needed in Medical Practice

On April 24, a man in critical condition was rushed to Hospital 103 in Hanoi after experiencing a severe headache. The patient, who was admitted unconscious, had suffered a ruptured aneurysm that led to a stroke. Dr. Do Duc Thuan, the Deputy Head of the Stroke Department at Military Hospital 103, emphasized the urgency of coordinating a rescue effort to save the man’s life. Despite the grave prognosis, medical staff dedicated all their efforts to treating the patient while Dr. Thuan prepared the patient’s wife for the difficult news.

When faced with such situations, doctors must navigate the delicate process of informing families about their loved ones’ prognoses. In cases where a patient dies suddenly, preparing family members is crucial to help them cope with the news. Dr. Thuan’s experience in delivering heartbreaking news to families has taught him the importance of compassion, empathy, and effective communication.

In another scenario at Military Hospital 175 in Ho Chi Minh City, a man with a positive prognosis suddenly deteriorated leading to a tragic outcome despite the medical team’s best efforts. Doctor Hoang Tien Trong Nghia, the Head of the Department of Internal Medicine highlighted the challenges of managing unexpected conditions that can arise even when patients seem stable.

The World Health Organization defines sudden death as an unexplained and non-violent fatality occurring within a short period after symptoms appear. Communicating such devastating news to grieving families requires skilled professionals who can provide support, explanations and empathy during the grieving process.

Dr. Tran Quang Thang, head of emergency medicine department and stroke emphasized on preparedness and tact when dealing with difficult situations like this.

While dealing with death and bereavement is an inevitable aspect of medical practice, doctors strive to mitigate families’ pain and support them during their time of loss by providing timely information supportive communication and closure which helps families navigate challenging process saying goodbye to their loved ones.