A Review of the Being Mortal Documentary, Heartbeat, Episode 168

Healthcare professionals often have to have some of the hardest conversations with their patients.  We deliver news that nobody wants to hear, and we don’t want to say. Doctors are no exception. Often physicians have to deliver test results that are devastating. 

In the Frontline documentary “Being Mortal”, Dr. Atul Gawande shines a bright light on doctors and their ability to manage discussions on end of life. Lacking training and needing to maintain a professional demeanor often leave physicians feeling ill-prepared to say the hard things that sometimes need to be said. Everyone working in healthcare should watch “Being Mortal”. You can find it on the PBS website (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/being-mortal/.  It’s a great tool to share with your hospice or palliative care team. 

You can find links to more resources for end of life professionals, along with self care support and information on advance care planning at theheartofhospice.com.  Connect with Jerry Fenter and Helen Bauer, the hosts of The Heart of Hospice podcast by sending an email to [email protected].  Remember, you are The Heart of Hospice!