Breaking Bad News
Summary questions
Question 1The family of Mr. BR, one of your patients who has just been diagnosed as having suffered a stroke, stops you in the hallway asking for an update on his condition. What is the best course of action?
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Inform them at this point in time that Mr. BR has suffered a stroke.
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Tell them that "things aren't looking good" but you will get back to them as soon as you have a moment to set up a meeting.
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Arrange a meeting as soon as possible in a private environment to discuss Mr. BR's condition.
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Tell them that you are in a hurry now but will get back to them when you have some free time.
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Question 2What is the best terminology to inform someone that his wife has died.
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Your wife has died.
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Your wife has passed away.
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Your wife has passed on.
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Your wife is no longer with us.
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We did all we could to save your wife.
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Question 3Which of the following is NOT a cue to continue speaking after delivering bad news?
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The patient asks you a question.
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The patient makes eye contact with you.
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The patient continues crying and you begin to feel awkward.
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Question 4
What are the 7 components of the SAD NEWS model?
Question 5When you have finished telling a family that their relative has died, you should:
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excuse yourself and leave the family in private to grieve.
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offer to contact the funeral home and other family members.
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have a nurse, social worker or clergy (if appropriate) sit with the family to support them and answer any further questions.
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encourage them to get on with their lives.
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