Author(s):Dr Emma Cunningham and Dr Mark Macauley
Duration:60 minutes
Credits:1
Published:April 2020
Type:CPD learning module
CPD domain:Clinical
'Bad news' is information that adversely affects an individual. It is a largely subjective concept; what one person considers to be very bad news may be easier to accept for another, and a 'bad news' diagnosis will affect different people in different ways.
The process of breaking bad news is a frequent task for doctors working in all specialities of medicine, and breaking bad news well is an essential but complex skill that professionals should continually seek to develop during their careers. This module aims to explore the process of breaking the 'bad news' in relation to dementia, but will also detail ways in which the experience of having any difficult conversation can be enhanced for the professional and the patient.
Breaking bad news is not unique to old age psychiatry. Indeed, giving a patient a diagnosis of any kind can be regarded as being bad news. With this in mind, the information provided in this module can be adapted to all aspects of psychiatry and will hopefully encourage professionals to reassess and develop their skills in this area.
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