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We need another explanation

Illustrated Story B48, with a text transcript.

Read story B48: We need another explanation (image and text)
Six-panel illustrated story, We need another explanation. Arthur, an older white man, and his daughter struggle to follow a hospital explanation. She asks for the main point in simpler words. The doctor names delirium, explains the search for causes and treatment, and confirms that confusion may take longer to clear. Continued review and updates are arranged. Footer: Ask for delirium to be explained in words you understand.

It is reasonable to ask for an explanation again, or in different words. Stress, tiredness and unfamiliar medical language can make a difficult conversation harder to follow.

Ask what delirium means for this person, what the team is checking and treating, and when you will hear more. Saying the plan back in your own words can show whether you have misunderstood anything. Good communication includes taking time to explain, rather than assuming that silence means understanding.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. The explanation is hard to follow.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Rose: Could you explain the main point in simpler words?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: He has delirium. His thinking has changed because he is unwell.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: We’re checking the causes and treating the problems we find.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Rose: So the confusion may take longer to clear?

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Yes. We’ll keep reviewing him and update you.

Bottom band. Ask for delirium to be explained in words you understand.

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