Breaking bad news and discussing death
Primary Care Clinics in Office PracticePublished 1 June 2001
Bruce Ambuel, Michael Mazzone
Citations53
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SJR score1.11
SNIP1.36
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TL;DR
A six step process to guide physicians in discussing bad news with patients is described, to create an appropriate environment and engage in self-reflection.
Abstract
The ability to discuss bad news with a patient and family is one clinical skill that is essential to providing effective end-of-life care. Patients and families value direct, nontechnical explanations that are given by a physician with compassion and kindness. Patients and families also value time to talk, express their feelings and ask questions. The authors review research on delivering bad news, then describe a six step process to guide physicians in discussing bad news with patients: (1) create an appropriate environment; (2) open the meeting; (3) discuss the news; (4) develop a follow-up plan; (5) document the conference; and (6) engage in self-reflection.
Keywords
MedicineHealth Professions
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