Talking to patients about death

I refer to the article by Will Dunham entitled Discussing Death Is Good For Patients (Reuters, October 9).

The article discussed findings by researchers from the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute in Boston, US. Dr Wright said, "talking to patients is difficult", but in this study involving 332 gravely ill cancer patients, "there was no evidence of psychological harm, or depression as a result of such discussions".

The Hospice Movement in Malta and indeed, all Palliative Care Units worldwide, believe there are many benefits to be reaped for both patient and family as a result of such discussions.

We believe they enable patients and families to come to terms with the situation they are facing. Communication skills, knowledge and compassion are essential ingredients of such discussions and they must be accompanied by help and support in physical, psychological, social and spiritual terms. In this way, dignity and respect are promoted and patients and families are empowered to make choices about their treatment and care.

There is an enormous professional duty towards the family in the way we care, throughout care, as the way a patient dies, lives on within the memory of those who are left behind.