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Breaking bad news about glaucoma: a SPIKES strategy primer
Parul Ichhpujani1, Gagan Kalra2, Ekta Singla2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector-32, Chandigarh, India. parul77@rediffmail.com.
International Ophthalmology
|July 28, 2021
Summary
Ophthalmologists often struggle to deliver bad news about sight-threatening diseases like glaucoma. Training in communication strategies, such as SPIKES, significantly improves patient experience and understanding.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Education
- Patient Communication
Background:
- Many ophthalmic physicians lack formal training in delivering news of sight-threatening diseases.
- Effective communication is crucial for patients managing lifelong therapies for conditions like glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current practices of ophthalmologists in delivering bad news.
- To evaluate patient experiences with bad news delivery.
- To determine the impact of communication skills training on patient-physician interactions.
Main Methods:
- Online surveys were administered to ophthalmologists and glaucoma patients.
- A pre-training and post-training survey design was employed for patients.
- Resident doctors received training in the SPIKES communication strategy.
Main Results:
- Only 8.7% of ophthalmologists reported formal training in breaking bad news.
- Many patients (27%) found medical terminology incomprehensible, and 42% felt their diagnosis was downplayed.
- Post-SPIKES training, patient survey results showed marked positive changes in information delivery.
Conclusions:
- Ophthalmologists require enhanced training in communication strategies for delivering bad news about sight-threatening conditions.
- Implementing communication protocols like SPIKES is essential for improving patient care and reducing anxiety.
- Standardized training in breaking bad news should be integrated into ophthalmology education at all levels.
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