The Family Meeting in Palliative Care: Role of the Oncology Nurse.

Overview

OBJECTIVES: To describe the family meeting in palliative and end-of-life care, highlighting the role of the oncology nurse. Specific strategies will be provided for pre-meeting preparation, communication, and follow-up activities. DATA SOURCES: A conceptual framework drawn from family and communication theory, and best practices from the clinical, research, nursing, and palliative care literature. CONCLUSION: Working with patients and families is complex, but the family meeting is a promising tool and a potential quality indicator in palliative care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The nurse is well positioned to participate fully in every aspect of the family meeting.