The concept of death in Medicine has evolved

In contrast to those doctors who view “death as a failure” and strive to artificially prolong life—and suffering—without hope, Dr. María Sáinz Martín, coordinator of the Social Area at the Madrid College of Physicians, argues that the concept of death in medicine has evolved. Today, it is understood as “a biological, psychological, social, and spiritual process.” This shift emphasizes the need to “provide care and support to both the dying person and their family.”
 
As the author of the book "Before I die, let me tell you", Dr. Sáinz Martín outlines the proper ways to care for terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Her recommendations include: 
 
- Listening to their needs with genuine interest and calm. 
- Alleviating the patient’s suffering. 
- Allowing the patient to understand their condition and accept or refuse related decisions knowingly. 
- Being attuned to the patient’s fears and needs. 
- Avoiding unnecessary prolongation of suffering. 
 
Respecting and addressing the wishes and needs expressed by both the patient and their family.
Dr. Sáinz Martín also highlights key guidelines for healthcare professionals delivering bad news. She considers empathy the most critical: “Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes—feeling their suffering, uncertainty, and pain—can transform how patients or families remember the moment they receive the news.” She also stresses the importance of choosing words carefully and paying attention to nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, touch, and body posture. “All of this contributes to effective communication, and there may be no moment in a person’s life when clear, compassionate communication matters more than when announcing an impending death—whether of the patient themselves or a loved one.”
 
The simplest way to grasp this is clear: “Healthcare professionals should ask themselves: How would I want this news delivered to me?”
 

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