Clear and jargon-free discussions when a patient is deteriorating
In nursing, effective communication with and about a patient who is deteriorating is vital for safety, outcomes and emotional well-being of the individual and their families. Nurses play a key role in clear, compassionate dialogue with families and patients, and in sharing information in the multidisciplinary team. Here, critical care and clinical nurse specialists explain how communication tools, such as SBAR (situation, background, assessment and recommendation), and SPIKES (setting, perception, invitation, knowledge, empathy, strategy and summary) at handovers and other situations, improve clarity and confidence, and how reflection after difficult conversations supports learning. Prioritising structured, jargon-free communication improves care at all stages, including end of life.
