The Doctor’s Psychological Struggle in Dealing with Sudden Deaths

At noon, a car abruptly parked in front of the Emergency Department at Hospital 103 in Hanoi, with a 30-year-old man whose life was in jeopardy due to a severe headache. Dr. Do Duc Thuan, Deputy Head of the Stroke Department at Military Hospital 103, emphasized the urgency of coordinating the rescue efforts quickly to save the man’s life.

The patient arrived in a coma and unconscious state after experiencing a sudden headache while practicing driving with his wife. Dr. Thuan diagnosed the patient with a ruptured aneurysm leading to a stroke, resulting in a grim prognosis. Despite the slim chances of survival, doctors dedicated themselves to treating the patient. Dr. Thuan used his communication skills to inform the patient’s wife about the seriousness of the condition while maintaining hope and trust between the medical team and the family.

The battle to save the patient lasted over an hour, but unfortunately, the patient did not survive. Dr. Thuan faced the difficult task of breaking the news to the patient’s devastated wife. Despite his disappointment, he strived to balance his professional responsibilities with his compassion for the family’s grief. The doctor’s calm approach helped ease the wife’s reaction to the loss of her husband.

Sudden deaths create challenges for doctors in delivering bad news to families. Dr. Hoang Tien Trong Nghia shared his experience of grappling with unexpected declines in patients’ health, even after positive prognoses. He emphasized the importance of clear communication and empathy during such emotional moments, providing support and understanding to families dealing with grief and loss.

The World Health Organization defines sudden death as non-violent and unexplained deaths within a short period after the onset of symptoms. Dr. Tran Quang Thang highlighted the difficulties faced by families processing sudden deaths and the importance of effective communication and compassion from healthcare professionals. Doctors need to prepare families for the worst while providing support and understanding during these challenging times.