ABSTRACT
This chapter explores communication processes between primary healthcare professionals, patients and their loved ones, and suggests that communication techniques that may be employed to improve dialogue for the benefit of all. Anger can be a distressing reaction for family and friends, who may become the target of the patient’s anger, as too may healthcare professionals. Depression may result from the knowledge that the illness cannot be stayed, as evidenced by worsening symptoms. Communication with the patient’s relatives is important, as they often form part of the care team, and because of their privileged knowledge they may be able to advise on issues concerning the patient. Advance directives are documents that enable patients to specify their consent or dissent to medical treatment prospectively, in case they later become incapable of making such decisions. Advance directives have been advocated as a way of improving open communication between patients and health professionals and family and friends with regard to healthcare issues.
