On the Maritime Noon show (CBC radio, of course), they were talking about how to tell someone they had a terminal illness. The Dalhousie Medical School has had a program for the past ten years using simulated patients with the medical students to give them practice in the art of breaking bad news. It's been very helpful in teaching them how to relate to patients' emotional needs.
At one point in my varied career, I did a lot of patient simulation. I was arthritic for physical therapy students, violently angry (I don’t remember why) for paramedics, helping my aging parent get the right medication for medical qualifying exams, and many other roles.
One of the most memorable roles I played was with a medical student. She had to tell me that, due to a possible error in judgment on her part, my elderly husband had died. She was visibly upset in telling me this. My reaction, without planning at all, was to put my hand on her knee and say “That’s all right, dear. It must have been his time. He had a good life. Don’t worry. It’s okay.”
She didn’t know what to say after that. I’m not sure which of the two of us was more shocked.
That moment is evocative on so many levels.
It could almost be a scene in a play. Though who we could possibly cast as you, I've no idea.
Posted by: Chris L. at November 8, 2008 06:51 PM