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EFFECT Prognostic Communication Framework — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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HardCommunication & EthicsEFFECT Prognostic Communication FrameworkSCE Palliative Medicine

A man with advanced heart failure asks how long he has. His course has included repeated decompensations but substantial recovery after each admission. Which communication approach best reflects NICE guidance?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: AExplore his information preferences, discuss uncertainty with scenarios and revisit prognosis as his condition changes

Heart-failure trajectories are uncertain, but uncertainty should be communicated rather than used to avoid discussion. Establish what the person wants to know, give honest individualised information using scenarios or ranges, respond to emotion and revisit the discussion as the condition changes. Prognostic scores should not determine access to palliative care.

Reference: NICE NG106: Chronic heart failure in adults. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng106/chapter/recommendations