1. TNEEL-NE Mr. Sen Case Study Stuart J. Farber, MD

2. Slide 2 Connections: Communication Case Studies: Mr. Sen TNEEL-NE Case Study: Mr. Sen Mr. Sen is a 45-year-old Buddhist monk who has a far-advanced pelvic sarcoma secondary to complications from a parasitic infection. He speaks very little English, but is able to express he is having severe lower abdominal pain. He refuses to take his pain pills, even though they make him feel better. He keeps saying they make him “sick.” Click image to play video clip. Mr. Sen Age 45

3. Slide 3 Connections: Communication Case Studies: Mr. Sen TNEEL-NE Case Study: Mr. Sen Click image to play video clip. The hospice nurse seeks the advice of the hospice medical director out of concern for Mr. Sen.

4. Slide 4 Connections: Communication Case Studies: Mr. Sen TNEEL-NE Case Study: Mr. Sen Click image to play video clip. Your search for reliable advice on Mr. Sen’s needs and beliefs pays big dividends – you reach an expert on Buddhist traditions. During a telephone conference, you tell her pertinent details that confirm many of your beliefs on how to handle this situation.

5. Slide 5 Connections: Communication Case Studies: Mr. Sen TNEEL-NE Case Study: Mr. Sen Click image to play video clip. You now have a broader understanding of the needs of Mr. Sen based on conversations with Rodney, an expert on Buddhist culture and religion. You are now prepared to meet with him a second time to see if you can discover ways to help him take his medicine, and find out what he means when he says morphine pills make him “sick.” You ask Stu, the hospice director, to come with you the next time you meet with Mr. Sen – knowing that Mr. Sen will respond better to a male physician authority.

6. Slide 6 Connections: Communication Case Studies: Mr. Sen TNEEL-NE Case Study: Mr. Sen Click image to play video clip. Mr. Sen is treating his pain continuously, and is now meeting with you, taking a break from teaching another Buddhist monk. Mr. Sen is smiling and eating some soup – the largest meal he’s eaten in days. You again ask him questions about his pain – and find the results much more encouraging than earlier.