The Talking Mortality Podcast
Exploring the difficulties and challenges around the issue of human mortality. Individuals, society in general and the medical profession all wrestle with this issue. So let's start talking about it! The podcast is hosted by Dr Calvin J. Lightbody who is a consultant in Emergency Medicine. He has 25 years of healthcare experience and has recently been working to improve the care that hospital patients receive towards the end of life. Comments, feedback and questions welcome on Twitter @DrCJLCoaching .Credit: The intro music is an extract of "luv" by "Little Red Church"
The Talking Mortality Podcast
Critical Illness, Prognosis, Hope & Truthfulness
What is meant by the term "critical illness"? What are the possible outcomes for someone who is deemed to be in such a condition? How can we determine what the prognosis is in such circumstances?
Dr Calvin Lightbody is joined by Professor Robin Taylor to discuss these questions and explore what makes a good "prognostic conversation". The issues around truthfulness and hope at this difficult, uncertain time are covered. They also explore some of the barriers to open, realistic conversations.
The episode concludes with suggestions on how to address this sensitive issue.