What is a family conference?
Cancer is not an individual’s disease; it is the family’s disease. Everyone is affected: parents, siblings, children, caregivers, coworkers, neighbors, and friends.
First, it is important to identify who are the main players in the patient’s support systems. It is very useful for them to be present in the discussions about treatment plans. They need to understand what is being done and why. They need to know how they can support the patient through the treatment. They need to have their concerns addressed.
During treatment and follow up appointments, different family members and friends accompany the patients. Obviously, the patient is the one making the decisions, but having those extra ears helps a lot.
The next critical family conference is towards the end. There are not any worthwhile treatment options, and decisions need to be made to discontinue further treatment. Every one needs to be on board.
Sometimes, it facilitates closure: other times, old conflicts become major obstacles. I have had family conferences in duplicate, with 2 halves of the family in different rooms! The old feuds became more acute in this charged emotional time.
Other family conferences have brought peace and closure.
The goal is always to address every one’s concerns, and get the best possible outcome for the patient.