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Giving sad and bad news
When bad news is broken insensitively the impact can be distressing for both giver and recipient. For the recipient especially, the effect can be longlasting. Poor training in communication skills leaves most doctors unable to give bad news appropriately. Doctors must realise what impact the news can have on the patient; must overcome fear of being blamed for the message and of a sense of failure for not being able to improve the situation; and must learn how to cope with the recipient's reaction. Doctors should prepare adequately for the meeting, ensure that the patient has understood the message, and see to the patient's immediate needs after the interview. If diagnostic investigations or therapeutic options are being discussed at the same time, giving the patient an audiotape recording of the interview is helpful.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
LancetISSN
0140-6736Publisher
ElsevierPublisher URL
External DOI
Issue
8843Volume
341Page range
476-8Department affiliated with
- Sussex Health Outcomes Research & Education in Cancer (SHORE-C) Publications
Notes
0140-6736 Journal ArticleFull text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2011-08-22Usage metrics
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