IDENTIFY THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
ASSOCIATED WITH DEATH AND DYING
Just as being born is a natural process, dying is also a natural process. Death is
inevitable no matter how we may want to prolong life. Death is a dreaded and
unspeakable issue that is avoided by most people by every possible means. It reminds
us of our human weaknesses in spite of all of our modern advances. Death is the last
and loneliest experience for all of us, thereby making it difficult to help others. As a
medical specialist, you will be faced frequently with the reality of another person's death.
This can be very painful and stressful. It is only natural for fears of death and personal
concerns to intensify whenever you are in contact with someone who is dying.
REACTIONS OF HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL TOWARD TERMINALLY ILL
OR INJURED PATIENTS
To effectively work with a dying patient, you must recognize and understand the
individual's needs, feelings, or tension and discomfort. Coming to terms with yourself will
be your greatest asset.
a. Denial. Some personnel may tend to deny the reality of death or try to avoid
patients who are terminally ill. Death is seen as a failure because it cannot be prevented.
Some personnel may even "tune out" or "tune off" terminally ill patients by maintaining an
objective, professional approach.
b. Common Inappropriate Actions/Responses to Terminally Ill Patients Who
Wish to Talk about Death. The medical specialist should avoid the following
Reassurance. "Everything will be all right."
Denial. "You're not going to die."
Fatalism. "We all have to die sometime."
Changing the subject. "Let's think of something else to talk about."
c. Appropriate Actions/Responses to Terminally Ill Patients.
Gentle discussion. Be aware of how you talk to the patient.