It’s OK to come back later.

Sometimes it’s even a better idea to come back later. Don’t feel like you have to get everything done in one sitting. Get a feel for the conversation, read the room. And if you don’t get as far as you hoped, then that’s fine.

The last thing you want to do in a conversation is force your own agenda. Patients and family members will notice that you’re not really listening – they’ll sense that you’re trying to check something off a list. Instead of pushing to get the code status and end-of-life wishes and medical decision maker and favorite childhood snack, pause. Check in. If they’ve had enough for now, then it’s OK to come back later.

They’ll appreciate that you listened, and treated them like a human who every-so-often gets tired of talking.