The fear of dying: A case study using the SPIKES protocol

Abstract

The SPIKES protocol will be discussed in the context of working with a patient who was referred to palliative care in the hospital setting. Palliative care is complex because it is not only medical care but also emotional and spiritual care. Those working in palliative care often explain a diagnosis to the patient, both what the diagnosis is and what it likely means for the future. The SPIKES protocol, a conversational tool for delivering bad news, has applications for social workers. This case study will tell the story of a patient whose fear of death almost cost him the ability to live fully at the end of his life and how the SPIKES tool was implemented in helping this patient understand and come to terms with his diagnosis.