Breaking bad news is one of the most challenging tasks in medical practice. Clinicians are asked to undertake this unpleasant task at the time of a patient’s greatest need. How clinicians deliver bad news, their attitude, and communication skills play a critical role in how well the patient and the family will cope with it. Medical training should prepare young clinicians to handle this duty carefully and systematically.

SUMMARY: Module 7 presents general strategies and best practices for breaking bad news, keeping in mind individual patient needs, and utilizes self-reflection techniques to explore the personal and professional difficulties clinicians may encounter in performing this difficult task.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB