Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026

04:36
Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
5.1K
Delivering bad news to patients
Kimberley R Monden1, Lonnie Gentry1, Thomas R Cox1
1Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
Summary
Physicians need better training for breaking bad news. Most doctors recognize its importance but lack confidence in their skills, highlighting a need for structured communication programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Clinical Communication
- Patient Care
Background:
- Physician training in breaking bad news is crucial for patient and family well-being.
- Inadequate training can result in negative outcomes for all parties involved.
- Effective communication skills are essential for physicians delivering sensitive information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the perceived need for a didactic program on breaking bad news among physicians.
- To evaluate current physician confidence and perceived training adequacy in delivering bad news.
- To advocate for a structured, comprehensive training model for physicians.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to assess physician perceptions and training needs.
- Data analysis focused on identifying the gap between perceived importance and actual training.
- A literature review of existing approaches to breaking bad news was conducted.
Main Results:
- 91% of respondents identified breaking bad news as a very important physician skill.
- Only 40% of physicians felt adequately trained to deliver bad news effectively.
- A significant need for improved training in delivering bad news was identified.
Conclusions:
- There is a clear need for enhanced physician training in breaking bad news.
- A structured, comprehensive training program is recommended to improve physician competency.
- Implementing such training can mitigate negative consequences associated with poor communication.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Ethical Principles II
2.6K
Ethical principles are essential in guiding nurses to fulfill their responsibilities, focusing on the quality of nursing care and decision-making. These principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity, shape the ethical framework within healthcare settings.
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
2.6K
Barriers to Effective Communication II
5.6K
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
5.6K
Ethical Issues
2.5K
Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
2.5K
Ethical Standards II
1.4K
Ethical standards are the backbone of nursing practice, guiding nurses as they interact with patients, families, and colleagues. These standards are crucial for providing safe, empathetic care centered on the patient's needs.
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy...
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy...
1.4K
Types of Reports III: Telephone and Verbal Reports
1.1K
Telephone and Verbal Reports in healthcare settings are two communication methods for conveying therapeutic instructions from healthcare providers to nurses or other healthcare staff.
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
1.1K
SBAR II: Application of SBAR
6.8K
SBAR is an effective communication tool used by healthcare professionals to communicate patient information accurately. SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. For a better understanding, an example is given below.
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
6.8K

