What is meant by the term "critical illness"? What are the possible outcomes for someone who is deemed to be in such a condition? How can we determine what the prognosis is in such circumstances?
Dr Calvin Lightbody is joined by Professor Robin Taylor to discuss these questions and explore what makes a good "prognostic conversation". The issues around truthfulness and hope at this difficult, uncertain time are covered. They also explore some of the barriers to open, realistic conversations.
The episode concludes with suggestions on how to address this sensitive issue.

Why is it so difficult to talk openly about death and dying? There seems to be a "Death Taboo" in our society today. In this episode Dr Calvin Lightbody and Professor Robin Taylor, both hospital consultants in the NHS, discuss the taboo. They explore its history and how it came about. The ways it can affect us as individuals and also its impact on modern hospital medicine is discussed. Finally they look at ways to perhaps start breaking down the taboo, making open conversations about dying more commonplace, realistic and acceptable.