Table 1

REMAP model for end-of-life communication13

Reframe
  • Given your diagnosis, it is important we talk about things now, while you can express your priorities.

  • We are in a different place because of what’s happened, but we know that for all of us, thinking about the future is important.

Expect emotion and empathise
  • It is hard to deal with all of this.

  • I know it will be upsetting to think about situations before they are happening.

  • I can imagine there are things that worry you about the future?

Map the future
  • Given the situation, are there things that you want to do?

  • When you think about the future, what concerns you?

  • Are there situations that you fear? Some people worry about being kept alive when they are at a point where they can’t communicate, for example.

Align with the patient’s values
  • As I listen to you, it sounds like the most important things for you are…

Plan next steps
  • It has been really helpful to hear what matters to you. These are the things that I think we can document to make sure that we manage situations in the future to try and ensure your priorities are achieved.