How Do We Talk About Treatment Choices in Surgery?

Let's talk about something important in surgery: goals of care (GOC) discussions. These chats are key to making sure patients get the treatment they truly want. But how well are we doing this? And how can we get better? First, let's think about why GOC talks matter. They help doctors and patients agree on what's best. But right now, these talks aren't always happening or happening well. That's a problem. A recent look at lots of studies found some gaps. Not all surgeons are having these talks. And when they do, they're not always doing it in the best way. This needs to change. So, what can we do? We need better training for surgeons. We also need to make sure these talks happen more often. And we need to find ways to make them more meaningful. It's not just about the patient. It's about their families too. They should be part of these talks. After all, they're the ones who know the patient best. We also need to think about the bigger picture. These talks should happen early. And they should happen often. That way, everyone is on the same page. But it's not just up to the surgeons. Patients and families need to speak up too. They should ask questions. They should share their worries. And they should make their wishes known. In the end, it's all about communication. Good talks lead to good decisions. And good decisions lead to better care. So, let's make sure we're having these talks. And let's make sure we're doing them right.