Current Paediatrics
Volume 13, Issue 4 , Pages 284-287, August 2003

How to break bad news

Consultant Paediatricians, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, UK

Abstract 

Breaking bad news is never easy. There is no right way to do it. However, it is a vitally important communication skill which we should be helping our juniors to learn. In the past, we have all tended to learn by experience and there has been little or no formal training in this important area. While there is no substitute for experience, we highlight features of good practice in the way we communicate with our patients. We also identify common faults in the breaking of bad news.

Keywords:  bad news, communication, bereavement

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PII: S0957-5839(03)00032-0

doi:10.1016/S0957-5839(03)00032-0

Current Paediatrics
Volume 13, Issue 4 , Pages 284-287, August 2003

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