Near-Death Experiences: Features, Impact, and Supportive Patient Care

Facilitator

Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science UVA Division of Perceptual Studies and Bruce Greyson, MD, DLFAPA, Professor of Psychiatric Medicine, Carlson Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, Former Director of Division of Perceptual Studies, Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences

Description

This lecture-style presentation is aimed at clinicians who are interested in learning about near-death experiences (NDEs). NDEs are subjective experiences that individuals may have when they are close to death or in a situation of medical crisis, but not merely coming near death. NDEs are clinically important because they often occur in medical settings and can have profound impacts on individuals. Near-death experiences sometimes choose to disclose their experiences to their physicians or other medical personnel. Supportive acknowledgement of a patient’s account can greatly help the patient make sense of this potentially transformative experience. This lecture will inform clinicians about insights from NDE research and offer skills to navigate these disclosures, promoting holistic patient care.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Describe common features of NDEs (including out-of-body perceptions and a sense of life review) and their prevalence.
• Describe typical psychological and other effects of NDEs on individuals who have them, including changes in values, spirituality, and worldview.
• Describe psychological and neurobiological explanations of this phenomenon.
• Describe potential psychological harm in pathologizing these experiences when patients report them.
• Develop skills for effectively communicating with patients reporting NDEs, including non-judgmental listening.

Target Audience

Physicians and other faculty.

Questions? Contact Patricia Brophy.

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