End-of-Lifeadvanced
Discussing DNR With Family
Facilitate a code status conversation when opinions diverge.
Practice this out loud, free
No account needed. We email you a link, then you talk by voice.
The situation
I am the hospitalist. The patient has no advance directive and family members disagree on DNR. I need to explain what resuscitation entails, elicit the patient's values if possible, and help the family find alignment — or identify a decision-maker.
Who you will be talking to: Angry Family Member
They may push back, deflect, or try to change the subject. Stay grounded in your main point.
What tends to work
- Stay focused on the specific issue — don't let the conversation drift
- Listen fully before responding
- Name what you need clearly and concisely
One way to open: “I want to talk about something important, and I'd like us to work through it together.”
Say it out loud, then see what you said
Reading about a hard conversation is not the same as having it. You talk to an AI counterpart by voice, like a phone call, and afterwards get a scorecard that quotes your own words: what helped, and what to try next time.
More healthcare scenarios
Dialoque is a practice tool for communication skills. It is not medical, clinical or legal advice. Read the disclaimer.