Question

Mediation/ Negotiation
David is an alert and orientated 28 year old man with a terminal brain tumour. He has been sick for a year intermittently, having gone through two operations and rounds of chemotherapy. He has a Not for Resuscitation Order (NFR). David has agreed to the NFR order but his parents say that they are not ready to accept that he is dying and that a miracle might occur to cure the cancer.

What are the mediation/ negotiation tasks to manage such situations?

Answer 1

Mediation gives a chance to settle down the disputes and conflicts among parties in a simple and easy manner. Mediation lets both the parties bring forward their thoughts and beliefs without interuption and achieve a common conclusion.

The use of mediation in above case can help in better understanding of the situation. Mediation in the above settings should include following :

• Use mediation skills to carefully listen and perceive the situation through the parents’ perspective. Provide reassurance to the parents and try getting a better picture of parents’ particular fears and concerns.
• Display empathy towards parents’ predicament. This will help parents feel less afraid and overwhelmed. It will also help parents to listen to professionals’ explanations and complex decision criteria. This will boost their judgement and decision making.
• A clear, comprehensive communication is needed to make the situations, diagnosis and treatment picture clear. This will help parents take a logical decision.