The Power of Compassion and Communication in Delivering Devastating News to Families

A man in critical condition arrived at Hospital 103’s Emergency Department in Hanoi after experiencing a severe headache. 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 on April 24. The patient was admitted unconscious and had suffered a ruptured aneurysm that led to a stroke. 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 patients die suddenly, it is crucial to prepare family members for the news to help them cope with their grief.

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 35-year-old 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.

Medical staff strive to mitigate families’ pain and support them during their time of loss by providing timely information, supportive communication, and a sense of closure. By doing so, they aim to help families navigate the challenging process of saying goodbye to their loved ones.