Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2025

Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
Delivering bad or difficult news. An innovative simulation-based education approach to prepare interdisciplinary
Timothy C Clapper1, Taylor B Sewell2, Winifred Shen1
1Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian, New York, NY, USA.
Background:
There is limited data on the effectiveness of training interventions to improve the delivery of bad news.
Methods:
This preliminary research included pre-post assessments and an open-ended survey to evaluate the effectiveness and perceived value of training on delivering bad news for 26 first- and second-year fellows from five adult and pediatric fellowship programs.
Results:
There was a significant increase in faculty assessment scores (34.5 vs. 41.0, respectively, Z = -3.661, p < 0.001) and Standardized Patient (SP) assessment scores (37.5 vs .44.5, respectively, Z = -2.244, p = 0.025). Fellows valued having a standard framework to aid in the delivery of bad news; receiving targeted feedback and having the opportunity to apply their skills in a subsequent case.
Conclusions:
A one-hour, four-phase lesson plan that includes an individualized training approach and simulation do-overs can be effective and valuable for preparing fellows to deliver bad news.
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