Healthcare professionals regularly encounter families struggling to make decisions about serious illness and end-of-life care. Disputes about where a parent should live, who holds decision-making authority, or whether to pursue certain treatments can escalate quickly, placing stress on both families and care teams. These disputes often leave providers caught in the middle, without tools to de-escalate tension or pathways to refer families for further support. This session introduces mediation and conflict coaching as practical approaches to reduce family disputes and support patient-centered care. Participants will learn how to recognize the dynamics underlying disputes, apply simple communication techniques that lower defensiveness, and understand when referral to mediation may be appropriate. Through case scenarios and interactive discussion, attendees will gain skills they can immediately use in family meetings, care planning discussions, and interdisciplinary teamwork. By strengthening their communication toolkit, healthcare professionals can reduce their own stress, improve care outcomes, and help families focus on what matters most: the dignity and comfort of their loved one.

Learning Outcomes

Identify common sources of family disputes in serious illness and end-of-life care.  Apply two practical communication strategies that de-escalate disputes in family meetings.  Describe the role of mediation and conflict coaching as complementary resources for healthcare providers.