O KOMUNIKACJI PALIATYWNEJ
On palliative communication

Summary/Abstract: By reference to Grice’s maxims, the principles of politeness and empathy, that is emotional identification with another person, mental engagement in what the speaker feels, experiences, says, the author proposes the term komunikacja paliatywna (palliative communication), which, however, she does not intend to be used only with respect to a patient with a chronic disease or nearing the end of their life. She wants it to be understood in accordance with the etymology of the word “palliative”. “Palliative communication” would mean, in her opinion, gentleness, sensitivity, warmheartedness, empathy to the ill. She wishes that each doctor-patient interaction be treated as a relationship marked with humanitarianism, respect for the Other, concern about them. The paper points not only to verbal but also to non-verbal behaviours. It discusses selected forms of palliative communication, such as: the use of indicators of colloquial style instead of medical jargon, the application of more familiar means, e.g. diminutives, inclusive WE, euphemisms.

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