Breaking Bad News

and Difficult Situations

DR NUR SADRINA
14/8/2020
 To learn how to:
• Breaking bad news
Objectives • Deal with distressed patients
Introduction
Unique Aspects of Communication with Cancer
Patients
• Unique elements in oncology
• Cancer is a life-threatening illness
• Diagnosis of cancer results in significant fear, uncertainty, and
commitment to often long, expensive and complex treatments.
• Cancer care can also be emotionally taxing to the providers
• Provider relationship with the patient and family is important in
providing support
Whole person approach
• Diagnosis of cancer associated with high levels of psychological
distress
• ¼ to 1/3 cancer pts experience significant psych distress
• 3 x likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than general popln
• Psychological impact – changes in 4 main areas: thoughts, behavior,
body, feelings
Our role

• Ask – ask about the emotional effects of cancer

• Elicit core issues
• Provide information
• Discuss strategies to help them
• Establish clear goals
• Help pt/family access support