SPIKES

Question 1

What does the S stand for in SPIKES?

Answer 1

S = setting (creating the right environment).

Questions include: If the patient would like any family or staff members present etc.

Always introduce yourself with your name and role.

Question 2

What does the P stand for in SPIKES?

Answer 2

P = Perception (Assessing the patient’s understanding).

Can ask questions like: What have you been told about this so far?, Are you worried that this may be serious?.

Question 3

What does the I stand for in SPIKES?

Answer 3

I = invitation (asking permission to share the news).

Questions include: I have the results of your scan, unfortunately they were not as we had hoped, would you like me to explain them to you now?, Are you the sort of person that likes to know exactly what is going on?

Question 4

What does the K stand for in SPIKES?

Answer 4

K = Knowledge (providing the information).

Delivering the results or information in small chunks and checking the patients understanding throughout delivery and using patient friendly terminology.

Question 5

What does the E stand for in SPIKES?

Answer 5

E = Empathy (acknowledging the patient’s feelings).

Question 6

What does the last S stand for in SPIKES?

Answer 6

The last S = Strategy (making a plan for the next steps).