Geriatric Quick Consult

Unrealistic Expectations

Do # 2

Be honest with the family.

Knowledge

Action
Tell the truth about the situation without being harsh.

You are not doing the family a favor by downplaying the situation to "save their feelings."

If the patient is dying and you feel any further treatment is futile, that is what you should tell them.

Simply stating that the patient is not doing well does not give the family the correct information about the situation and will only leave them with the feeling that the patient may turn around.

 Tell the truth without being harsh.
Similarly, if a patient is not progressing with rehabilitation after a stroke and may not be able to return to independent living, tell the family as soon as possible so that they will understand this change in their relative's functional status.

Telling them the patient is making very small strides will only lead them to believe that total rehabilitation may someday be possible.

Don't give the family false hopes.