Description
Preface; About the author: Introduction 1 What is bad news? 2 Why is it important to break bad news well? 2.1 The importance of a therapeutic relationship 3 Why is it difficult to break bad news well? 3.1 Factors between healthcare professionals and patients 3.2 Environmental factors 3.3 Professional factors 3.4 Patient-related factors 4 How not to break bad news 4.1 Impact on patients when done badly 4.2 Inappropriate communication channel 4.3 Poor positioning and/or body language 4.4 Avoidance of questions 4.5 Not understanding or clarifying the patient's question 4.6 Brushing over the concern 5 How to break bad news well - SUPPORTS model and steps 5.1 S: Set the scene 5.2 U: Understand the patient's perspective 5.3 P: Prepare (fire a warning shot) 5.4 P: Pass on the information 5.5 O: Observe silence 5.6 R: Respect and respond to emotion 5.7 T: Time for questions 5.8 S: Summary and close 5.9 Example of using the mnemonic in practice 5.10 Avoid assumptions 5.11 Therapeutic relationship and trust 6 Useful additional skills and strategies in communication 7 Conclusion References; Further reading