Scribd
Upload
2 views12 pages

Breaking Bad News Presentation

The presentation discusses the challenges and techniques for breaking bad news in emergency situations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication to maintain trust and support families. It introduces the SPIKES protocol, a structured approach for delivering bad news, and the Bio-Psycho-Social model to tailor communication based on the patient's context. Key takeaways include the necessity of compassion, clarity, and empathy in these sensitive interactions.

Uploaded by

technologist297
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views12 pages

Breaking Bad News Presentation

The presentation discusses the challenges and techniques for breaking bad news in emergency situations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication to maintain trust and support families. It introduces the SPIKES protocol, a structured approach for delivering bad news, and the Bio-Psycho-Social model to tailor communication based on the patient's context. Key takeaways include the necessity of compassion, clarity, and empathy in these sensitive interactions.

Uploaded by

technologist297
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

Breaking Bad News in Emergency

Situations
Presented by: [Your Name]
Institution: [Your Institution]
Date: [Insert Date]
Introduction
• Breaking bad news is one of the most sensitive
tasks in clinical practice. In emergency
settings, this becomes even more challenging
due to the urgency and emotional intensity.
This presentation explores techniques for
delivering bad news effectively and
compassionately in emergencies.
Importance of Effective
Communication
• - Preserves trust between patient/family and
healthcare team
• - Facilitates informed decision-making
• - Affects how families cope with loss or critical
illness
• - Reduces long-term psychological distress
Challenges in Emergency Situations
• - Limited time for preparation
• - High emotional distress and uncertainty
• - Often no prior relationship with
patient/family
• - Pressure of rapid decision-making
The SPIKES Protocol
• A six-step protocol for delivering bad news:
• 1. Setting: Ensure privacy, sit down, minimize
distractions
• 2. Perception: Assess what the patient/family
already knows
• 3. Invitation: Ask how much they want to
know
• 4. Knowledge: Share information clearly and
compassionately
• 5. Emotions: Respond to feelings with
Adapting SPIKES in Emergencies
• - Use plain, clear language
• - Give a warning before the bad news
• - Pause for silence and emotional reactions
• - Acknowledge emotions
• - Offer immediate support (e.g., social worker,
chaplain)
The Bio-Psycho-Social Model
• (From Dr. Mowadat H. Rana's Handbook of
Behavioural Sciences)
• - Biological: Recognize medical facts and
prognosis
• - Psychological: Be aware of emotional state
and coping ability
• - Social: Understand family structure, support
systems, cultural values
• - Tailor your approach based on the patient's
and family’s context
Dr. Rana's Structured Steps
• 1. Seating and Setting: Find a quiet, private
place
• 2. Involvement of Others: Invite significant
others to be present
• 3. Attentiveness and Calm: Maintain
composed demeanor
• 4. Active Listening: Use verbal and non-verbal
cues
• 5. Availability: Reassure them you are
available for questions
Case Scenario
• A 35-year-old male is brought in after a car
accident. Despite resuscitation, he is declared
dead.
• - Start with a warning: "I have something very
difficult to tell you."
• - Clearly state: "We did everything we could,
but unfortunately, he didn’t survive."
• - Allow silence, respond with empathy, offer
support
Do's and Don'ts
• Do's:
• - Be honest and compassionate
• - Allow time for reactions
• - Provide support resources

• Don'ts:
• - Use medical jargon
• - Minimize emotions
• - Rush the conversation
Summary
• - Breaking bad news is a critical skill, especially
in emergencies
• - Use structured protocols like SPIKES
• - Apply the Bio-Psycho-Social model to tailor
communication
• - Compassion, clarity, and empathy are
essential
References
• - Rana, Mowadat H. "Handbook of Behavioural
Sciences"
• - Baile WF et al., "SPIKES—A Six-Step Protocol
for Delivering Bad News"
• - Additional clinical communication guidelines

You might also like