Given tactfully, empathetically, sensitively and in appropriate language, not dressed in jargon and euphemisms, then the communication will meet the lady s needs emotionally as well as medically. Potentially negative information can be delivered in such a way as to be both accurate and yet positive so as to maintain hope, either for cure or for personal growth. Communication delivered callously, coldly, disrespectfully or dressed up in language which disguises the message will tend to have a very negative effect upon the patient. It can generate anger, resentment, fear, misunderstanding and many other unhelpful reactions which can leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the woman and her family for a long time, even the rest of her life. Such poor communication from the doctor tends to arise from insensitivity, neglect, the doctor s own insecurities or inexperience, or plain stupidity.
Communication also implies listening as well as speaking.
There may well be more time spent hearing the woman s concerns, questions, aspirations etc. This is therapeutic in itself if one has the time available and the inclination. Often empathic listening will help the lady sort through many of her problems herself. Every ethical principle comes into play with every clinical interaction and in the case of major illnesses their role becomes obvious and crucial. In practice doctors and health care providers will often be quite directive, or paternalistic to use the appropriate term.