How to Solve End-of-Life Treatment Rows

Pennsylvania and Washington doctors have proposed a five-step method for resolving family conflicts over end-of-life treatment issues.

The proposals of Robert M. Arnold of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Anthony L. Back of the University of Washington are summarized in this week’s edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association Clinician’s Corner — Perspectives on Care at the Close of Life.

Besides seeking input from all parties in crafting end-of-life treatment preferences and showing empathy to distressed family members, the first step to solving conflict begins with acknowledging that a conflict has emerged.

Next, physicians must prepare themselves for negotiation by identifying what happened and empathize with the family and their emotions. Third, the physician must begin the conversation in a non-judgmental manner. Fourth, the problem — not the person — must be addressed.

Fifth, it may be necessary to find an impartial person to act as mediator.