Education Activity Report

Breakfast with Dr. Kathryn Mannix

Early on Monday 17th March Dr. Kathryn Mannix spoke at a Breakfast Meeting at the Otago Community Hospice.

Kathryn is a well-known Palliative Care Physician from the United Kingdom. She has become a pioneer of palliative medicine, working within hospices, hospitals, and in the community setting. She is also the author of two books.

The breakfast meeting was well attended and was an informal presentation from Kathryn on several palliative care topics. These included an opportunity to share our local experiences as well as hear about palliative care developments within the United Kingdom. However, a major focus of the discussions were about navigating conversations with patients and families, as well as being kind to ourselves and our colleagues.

The concept of the golden minute resonated with many. When talking with a patient or family member we should consider pausing, not interrupting someone and simply just take one minute-60 seconds, to remain silent and let the other person speak. Try it in your practice, as it is a lot harder to do than you think it might be. You may be surprised by the results and what you learn.

Other takeaway messages: phrases to consider using

Kathryn mentioned two phrases or questions to consider using or incorporating into your conversations and discussions with patients/families. These may be useful when you want to explore with people what their wishes may be when coming towards the end of life. The phrases can be good way to start a conversation with someone.

First phrase is: ‘What is your worst dread?’ - This may be someone’s worse fears, what they are worrying about the most.

For example, the person may dread or worry about being on their own as they come to their last weeks or days of life. In learning this, you may then discuss with family about how to address such a dread to limit the time a person is on their own. You may want to include these strategies in the person’s care plan.

If in residential care, it may be trying to work out how you can support family and friends so they can stay with the resident. It may also be encouraging conversations in the room, playing music, or keeping the door open so the person can hear others around them and not feel they are alone.

Second phrase is: 'What is your best hope?’ – This may be what people really hope will happen as they die or deteriorate?

For example: the person may wish to see a relative they have not seen for many years, have a cherished pet visit or go on a last drive to a favourite beach. Knowing this and enabling it to happen may bring comfort and peace to the person.

If you have time, you can read Kathryn’s books or go to her webpage for more resources. https://www.kathrynmannix.com/about-kathryn/