Dermatology Breaking Bad News

Question 1

what are the 6 steps for breaking bad news?

Answer 1

1. Right physical context (where, who should be there, starting off)
2. finding out how much the patient knows
3. finding out how much the patient wants to know
4. Sharing the information (decide on agenda e.g. diagnosis/ treatment plan/ prognosis/ support), start from patient’s starting point, give info in small chunks, give WARNING shot, use simple English, check often that the patient is understanding and clarify any points, listen for patient’s agenda and concerns and anxieties, try to blend your agenda with the patient’s.
5. Respond to patient’s feelings: identify and acknowledge the patient’s reaction
6. Planning and follow through: organising and planning, making a contract and following through