Break The News

Break news clearly


Break news clearly with regard for the patient’s feelings and readiness for discussion

“I have disappointing news for you.”

Communication Skills:

  • Foreshadow bad news.
  • Break news clearly while showing concern.
  • Set an agenda.
  • Acknowledge distress.
  • Show sensitivity to readiness.

Break news clearly with regard for the patient’s feelings and readiness for discussion

“I really have to give it to you straight.”

Communication Skills:

  • Break news clearly.
  • Convey concern.
  • Check for readiness to engage in a difficult conversation.

Acknowledge emotions


Acknowledge Emotions

“I am so sorry about…”

Communication Skills:

  • Express concern.
  • Express empathy and legitimate feelings.

Acknowledge emotions

“It sounds like you’re having a really hard time…”

Communication Skills:

  • Acknowledge emotions.
  • Express empathy.
  • Show concern.

Explore perceptions of the problem


Explore patient’s perception of the problem

“I heard what you said. That you would know when your kidneys were bad…”

Communication Skills:

  • Explore patient’s knowledge and attitudes about their kidney disease in an open and non-judgmental manner.

Correct misconceptions


Correct misconceptions with a common metaphor

“…what you said about earlier about knowing when your kidneys are in trouble, that presents a problem.”

Communication Skills:

  • Correct misconceptions and provide a rationale for moving forward with planning for future care.
  • Effective use of metaphor – combined with a check for understanding.

Explore support


Explore Sources of Support

“Many of my patients have found it helpful to…”

Communication Skills:

  • Explore emotional and social support from family and friends.
  • Elicit patient willingness and ability to engage family or friends in their care.

Explore informational preferences


Explore informational preferences and provide resources

“You will get a lot of information and I know that everyone learns in different ways.”

Communication Skills:

  • Explore informational preferences.
  • Provide resources for social and emotional support.
  • Provide resources for informational support.

View all Mrs. Jones “News” videos


Break the News

 

Communication Skills:

  • Break news clearly.
  • Acknowledge emotions.
  • Explore support.
  • Explore informational preferences.

View all Mr. Smith “News” videos


Break news clearly with regard for the patient’s feelings and readiness for discussion

 

Communication Skills:

  • Break news clearly.
  • Acknowledge emotions.
  • Explore perceptions of the problem.
  • Correct misconceptions.

View All Mrs. Jones Videos
View All Mr. Smith Videos