25 minutes / Color
Release: 1996
Copyright: 1996
Talking with patients about end-of-life care decisions is a challenge for many physicians and healthcare providers. Produced by a physician, this video takes a unique approach to this topic by blending humor, music, and insightful interviews to confront the issues that arise in these discussions. Nationally recognized experts offer their counsel in dealing with these issues and a reenacted "ideal conversation" between a physician and a terminally ill patient provides a model for doctors in carrying out these conversations in their own practices.
"Combines light-hearted scenarios of poor to absurd communications with patients on issues of death and dying, with measured advice from physicians expert in such communications. Cultural sensitivity is briefly discussed, with an emphasis on respecting the patient's individuality rather than assuming a fit within cultural expectations."—Literature, Arts, and Medicine Database
“Colorful and engaging! Covers the key elements of communicating with dying patients, including insightful comments about crossing cultural barriers.” —Journal of Palliative Medicine
“Exceedingly well done!” —Oncology Nursing Forum
Select Accolades
Controversial documentary records the last days - and actual death - of a Dutch man who chose euthanasia to end his suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Maarten Nederhorst | 1996 | 57 minutes | Color | Dutch | English subtitles
Profiles the home funeral movement, and the complex psychological, cultural, legal and financial issues surrounding families choosing to prepare loved ones at home for burial or cremation.
Elizabeth Westrate | 2003 | 56 minutes | Color | English
A series on cross-cultural healthcare. Four films raise awareness about how cultural barriers affect patient-provider communication and other aspects of care for patients of diverse backgrounds.
Maren Grainger-Monsen, M.D. and Julia Haslett | 2003 | 47 minutes | Color | English
