This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Breaking bad news

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • have your facts right first
  • meet in a quiet room
  • meet in the presence of relatives or staff if possible
  • use basic communication skills: use simple language, listen, follow up verbal and non-verbal cues
  • build up gradually
  • be truthful, gentle and courteous
  • offer hope
  • emphasize the positive
  • allow questions
  • may need to have a number of meetings
  • offer support
  • document and inform others of what has been said
  • follow up the patient

Source:Dr Michael Cushen, St Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich,5/96

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.