The Comfort Model.
The Comfort Model is a pioneering approach that enhances communication between nurses, patients, and families—especially during critical care transitions and end-of-life moments. Rooted in clinical research and real-world practice, the Comfort Model empowers nurses with tools and language that provide emotional support, reduce confusion, and foster trust. It helps make complex healthcare conversations more compassionate and clear.
How It Works
The Comfort Model is built around five core principles of communication:
Connect – Establish trust and presence with patients and families.
Options – Provide choices and explain them clearly and honestly.
Model – Demonstrate compassionate care through language and actions.
Make Meaning – Help families understand and process difficult information.
Offer Hope – Reframe hope to align with values, comfort, and dignity.
Nurses are trained through NurseComm modules and role-play scenarios to use these principles in real-life situations. The model integrates easily into existing workflows and improves confidence in delivering difficult news and supporting families emotionally.
Benefits for Families
Clearer Understanding: Families are guided through complex decisions with sensitivity and clarity.
Emotional Support: Communication fosters trust, reducing anxiety and feelings of isolation.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Families feel included and respected in care conversations.
Lasting Comfort: The approach provides comfort during and after a loved one’s care experience, especially during critical and end-of-life stages.
"The Comfort Model gave us a way to communicate that felt human. It helped us understand what was happening and what choices we had."
Family Member of a Palliative Care Patient
"As a nurse, I always wanted to be better at these conversations. This model gave me confidence and language I didn’t have before.”
ICU Nurse, NurseComm Training Graduate
