Dear Editor

Responding to the article “Gives peace of mind – Relatives’ perspectives of end-of-life conversations” (Smith et al. Reference Smith, Brøchner and Nedergaard2023). End-of-life conversations in the medical domain are critical, going beyond medical decisions to touch on family aspects and patient values. The process involves empathic dialogue that strengthens family relationships and helps understand the patient’s wishes (Scott Reference Scott2014). This dialogue is essential for making decisions focusing on the patient, respecting their autonomy, and reducing uncertainty. It also allows the family to provide support and a meaningful farewell, which is crucial in grieving (Azoulay et al. Reference Azoulay, Chaize and Kentish-Barnes2014; García-Navarro et al. Reference García-Navarro, Garcia Navarro and Cáceres-Titos2023). Thus, these conversations are instrumental both medically, psychologically, and emotionally in helping patients and families face the end of life with dignity and peace (Östlund et al. Reference Östlund, Brown and Johnston2012).

Dialogue that builds mutual understanding between patients and families is crucial, especially in challenging medical situations (Öhlén and Friberg Reference Öhlén and Friberg2023). This communication helps reach the right medical decision and is essential in providing emotional support (Ouyang et al. Reference Ouyang, Wang and Jasmine Chang2022). Through open and empathetic conversations, families can better understand the patient’s condition, expectations, and concerns while the patient feels heard and valued (Rawlings et al. Reference Rawlings, Devery and Poole2019). This process strengthens relationships, fosters trust, and creates a supportive environment where emotions and thoughts can be honestly shared. This emotional support provides comfort to the patient and assists the family in dealing with difficult situations, allowing them to navigate this challenging journey together more harmoniously.

However, a significant gap in current medical practice criticizes the excessive focus on technical and clinical aspects, which often neglects the emotional impact experienced by the patient’s family (Tramonti et al. Reference Tramonti, Giorgi and Fanali2021). This suggests that while medical care is efficient from a clinical standpoint, a lack of communication and emotional support often leaves families feeling alienated and unprepared to deal with the challenges that arise (Digby et al. Reference Digby, Winton-Brown and Finlayson2021). This research emphasizes the importance of a more holistic approach in health care, which addresses the physical problems of patients and considers the psychological and emotional well-being of their families (Weihs et al. Reference Weihs, Fisher and Baird2002). According to these findings, better integration of emotional support and communication in health care can help reduce the psychological burden on families and improve the overall outcomes of patient care (Ateş et al. Reference Ateş, Ebenau and Busa2018).

To address this gap, this study proposes a solution in the form of more empathic communication training for health-care workers, focusing on developing active listening skills, expression of empathy, and effective non-verbal communication (Lajante et al. Reference Lajante, Prete and Sasseville2023). In addition, it proposes the development of family support programs, such as the “Family Care Conference,” which aims to involve the patient’s family more actively in the care process (Harding et al. Reference Harding, Doherty and Bavelaar2022). The program will include educational sessions on medical conditions, stress management and coping workshops, and discussion forums that allow families to share their experiences and get peer support (Chien and Norman Reference Chien and Norman2009). The ultimate goal is to create a holistic care environment where patients’ families feel supported, informed, and involved in health-care decision-making. Initiatives such as these are expected to improve the overall quality of care for patients and their families (Dreiher et al. Reference Dreiher, Blagorazumnaya and Balicer2020).

The initiative is designed to provide more holistic support to patients’ families, recognizing that family health and well-being are integral to patient care (Hawthorne and Gordon Reference Hawthorne and Gordon2020). With this approach, significant improvements in the quality of patient care are expected, as informed and supported families tend to be more active and effective in their role as caregivers (Park et al. Reference Park, Giap and Lee2018). This may also contribute to a decrease in the levels of stress and anxiety that families often experience in challenging medical situations (Mills and Cortezzo Reference Mills and Cortezzo2020). Furthermore, by ensuring that families’ emotional and psychological needs are met, this initiative can improve their overall well-being (Beacham et al. Reference Beacham, Deatrick and Elmore2008). As such, these initiatives improve patient care experiences and outcomes and strengthen social support structures that help families better cope with health-care challenges (Ocloo et al. Reference Ocloo, Goodrich and Tanaka2020).