Humour in Palliative Care — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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EasyCommunication & EthicsHumour in Palliative CareSCE Palliative Medicine

A palliative care team discusses whether it is appropriate to use humour in clinical interactions with dying patients. What does the evidence suggest?

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Correct answer: B — Appropriate humour can enhance therapeutic relationships

Systematic review evidence shows that humour is widely seen as appropriate and beneficial in palliative care—enhancing relationships and wellbeing ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29973892/?utm_source=openai)). A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that structured humour interventions reduced stress and negative mood and increased cheerfulness in dying patients ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36781553/?utm_source=openai)). Humour, when sensitively applied, supports coping and authentic connection. Option D is incorrect—humour does not undermine seriousness but complements compassionate care. Option E is overly restrictive; appropriateness depends on context. Option A is false—while patient cues matter, clinicians may appropriately initiate humour. Option C misrepresents holistic palliative care, which allows both depth and lightness.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/palliative-care