What should we consider when breaking bad news for patients and family:
- Ensure there is an quiet environment where they are not going to be disturbed
- Tailor information to individual needs.
- Check their understanding
- Elicit and explore understanding of information given
- Determine how much they want to participate in decision-making
- Discuss treatment options so that the they understands the implications
- Enable them to follow agreed decisions about treatment
- Identify, offer, discuss and signpost relevant further support (e.g. psychology, information resources, support groups) that they and relatives/carers might find helpful
Pulse point
Additional useful reference:
Buckman, R. (1992) How to break bad news: a guide for healthcare professionals. The John Hopkins University Press. Maryland. U.S.A.
Page last reviewed: 28 Jul 2020
