Delivering bad news to patients

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2016 Jan;29(1):101-2. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2016.11929380.

Abstract

When physicians lack proper training, breaking bad news can lead to negative consequences for patients, families, and physicians. A questionnaire was used to determine whether a didactic program on delivering bad news was needed at our institution. Results revealed that 91% of respondents perceived delivering bad news as a very important skill, but only 40% felt they had the training to effectively deliver such news. We provide a brief review of different approaches to delivering bad news and advocate for training physicians in a comprehensive, structured model.