Shock, disbelief, anxiety, fear and anger are common emotions that patients experience when they are initially informed that they have a life-limiting, terminal illness (Ozcakir & Bilgel, 2014). Open, honest, communication between the patient and practitioner regarding prognosis and treatment options should continue throughout the patient’s terminal illness to ensure that the best supportive care is provided and that end of life care goals are met. Unfortunately, conversations regarding advanced care planning, code status, end-of-life care goals, and available hospice and palliative care services are often delayed until the very last stages before death (Norals & Smith, 2015). Research suggests that doctors should initiate conversations
