Clinician Communication in Hospice: Constructions of Reality Throughout the End-of-Life Process.

The article focuses on hospice clinicians' perspectives regarding language use in end-of-life (EOL) communication to identify challenges and opportunities for fostering a trajectory of dialogue that supports a good death experience. Using qualitative data from focus groups and interviews with interdisciplinary team members—including doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers, expressive therapists, and a pharmacist—the study applied the Opportunity Model for Presence during the End-of-Life Process (OMP-EOLP) to analyze themes related to language choices, professional roles and responsibilities, and socio-cultural considerations. Findings highlight the tension between engaging in direct conversations about death and avoidance due to cultural taboos, the importance of reframing language to meet patients' and families' needs, and the critical role of nonverbal communication. The study underscores the need for early, ongoing, and culturally sensitive advance care planning, enhanced interdisciplinary education, and the use of diverse media tools to facilitate meaningful EOL discussions, while also addressing systemic barriers within healthcare.