How to manage when family and medical views conflict

In some cases, family members views are in conflict with medical views regarding what constitutes the optimum qualify of life and end-of-life treatment or care. The following approach is suggested for negotiating with the family members:

• Listen and hear the values and views of family members respectfully.
• Explain the medical view as to why stopping treatment or life support is in the best interests of the client and explain what quality of life means (some CALD cultures value length of life more than quality of life).
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of their need to do their very best for their loved one and negotiate and balance the medical, legal and cultural views to help family members accept medical advice. It is important to offer advice with empathy and compassion, and to help reduce the family’s feelings of anguish about potentially not fulfilling their obligation to do the best for the client from their perspective. If needed, seek support from a cultural support service and the medical-legal advisor in the organisation.