Good communication is important. It can help someone to understand what another person is saying. It also means that they can express their own needs and concerns. When someone is seriously ill, there will be many things that need to be discussed. Some of these discussions may be difficult and emotional.
It is important that people find and use information to help plan future needs. This will help when communicating with family members, friends, health professionals and colleagues.
Communication is important and can be positive if handled well. It can also be hurtful, depending on how it is done and the words that are used. Communication needs to be open and sensitive, as well as appropriate to the situation. The amount of information required by an individual can change with the circumstances.
This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011