#160 From Missed Opportunities to Meaningful Conversations with Sharan Harris Christensen

04.05.26

#160 From Missed Opportunities to Meaningful Conversations with Sharan Harris Christensen

Communication underpins Advance Care Planning. But what is effective communication and how can it be taught? In my conversation with Sharan Harris-Christensen you will hear challenges, opportunities and the power of being vulnerable as we explore RealTalk. 

Key messages

  • Sharan’s personal bereavement experience deeply shapes her commitment to improving communication and avoiding missed conversations.

  • Communication is at the heart of Advance Care Planning and must be treated as a core clinical skill, not a “nice to have”.

  • Advance/future care planning is everyone’s responsibility across health and social care, not just senior clinicians or specialists.

  • Staff often lack confidence and “permission” to start sensitive conversations; creating safe spaces and normalising these talks is crucial.

  • Missed opportunities and “triggers” (e.g. acute admissions, symptom crises, changes in support networks) should prompt Advance Care Planning discussions.

  • Fear, uncertainty and discomfort with dying as a topic are major barriers for professionals, families and society.

  • Volunteers and the wider community play a vital role in de‑medicalising death and normalising conversations about future care.

  • Real Talk is open access for trainers (with safeguards) and fundamentally changes how many people teach communication skills.

  • Sharan’s closing messages: allow ourselves to be vulnerable, remember it is always about what matters to the person, and never miss opportunities to open the door to future care discussions.

Resource

Find out more about my Bespoke Consultancy

If you’d like to find out more about my work contact me.

 

What one thing will you do?

It would be great to share what resonated with you from this episode, what is the one thing you will do differently? Head to Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn to continue these important conversations.

Thanks to all my guests for working with me to share their knowledge, experience and stories about Advance Care Planning. I hope you enjoyed listening and have insights to take away; I love hearing your reflections on the series and look forward to reviews on Spotify where you can also subscribe to the series.

Clare

Important Conversations about Important Conversations.