Breaking bad news.
cross_sectional · Level IV
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 1406423.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of a sympathetic approach to breaking bad news in the doctor-patient relationship. DATA SOURCES: Worldwide surveys of views on truth disclosure by health care professionals, the public, and patients with cancer and other diseases. STUDY SELECTION: Surveys using a Medline Computer Search were identified. DATA EXTRACTION: Twenty-two questionnaire studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: The data obtained demonstrate trends of an increasing wish since 1950 on the part of patients, the public and doctors for more openness. CONCLUSIONS: The skills necessary for breaking bad news well can be acquired through organised undergraduate and postgraduate education which emphasises a good working doctor-patient relationship.