Clinical Update: Communication Issues and Advance Care Planning

ObjectivesTo provide a clinical update on practical strategies to enhance the quality of communication in the palliative and end-of-life medical care settings.Data SourcesPublished articles, textbooks, reports, and clinical experience.ConclusionThe components of effective and compassionate care throughout the advanced illness trajectory require thoughtful and strategic communication with patients, families, and members of the health care team. Unfortunately, few health care professionals are formally trained in communication skills.Implications for Nursing PracticeNurses who possess self-awareness and are skilled in effective communication practices are integral to the provision of high-quality palliative care for patients and families coping with advanced malignancies.