10) Breaking bad news Flashcards
1
Q
Is giving a diagnosis of a chronic/terminal disease always bad news for the patient?
A
It’s not great, but sometimes it might be a relief just to get a diagnosis or it might be a relief to finally get treatment/take burden off carer and finally be out of pain?
2
Q
Why is it important to tell patients when there is bad news?
A
- Trust in the doctor-patient relationship
- Reduce/remove uncertainty
- Prevent unrealistic expectations
- Allow appropriate acceptance/adjustment
3
Q
What does each letter in the SPIKES strategy stand for?
A
S - setting and listening P - patient perception I - invitation from patient K - knowledge E - empathy S - strategy and summary
