By DoM Communications  | Date published: June 5, 2024

Shawna Steadman Discusses Navigation of Serious Illness Conversations

Shawna Steadman, MS, RN, ACNP, a provider in the Division of Palliative Care, and instructor in nursing, was recently the keynote speaker for the 29th Annual Frontiers in Nursing Symposium hosted by the Heart and Vascular Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center. In her talk titled, “A Guide Through the Storm: Strategic Methods for Navigating Serious Illness Conversations,” Shawna discussed when to consider serious illness conversations, how to approach them effectively, and discussed the Serious Illness Conversation Guide which serves as a framework for providers to gain an understanding about what is most important to patients with serious illness. Additionally, her presentation provided practical guidance on navigating these conversations, ensuring that providers are equipped with the necessary skills to engage patients and their families in discussions that promote understanding, support, and informed decision-making. Shawna also presented this talk at the 2024 New England Regional Nurse Practitioner Conference in May.

Additionally, Shawna recently gave a talk at Ariadne Labs about a project she worked on at UMass Memorial Medical Center to improve documentation of serious illness conversations in the neurocritical care unit.