The First Ten Minutes

You will be able toWhat should happen in the first ten minutes after a disclosure?

Case opening

What do you know?

A colleague, student or patient asks to speak privately and says, ‘My family has arranged something. I do not want it, but I am frightened about what happens if I say no.’

First decision

Choose before opening the debrief.

Ask for a complete history immediatelyListen, clarify immediate safety needs appropriate to role, and explain confidentiality limitsCall the family to hear both sidesPromise nothing will be shared

Record your rationale: what is known, reported, inferred, assumed or unknown?

Help