ABSTRACT

Physicians are frequently called upon to communicate unpleasant news related to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Such disclosure has to be tailored to the needs of the individual and to the context. The steps in breaking bad news include assessment of the gap between the patient’s expectation and reality, narrowing this gap, gently confi rming the bad news, providing information, allowing the patient time to absorb the news and express emotions, clarifying doubts, making a joint management plan, and an appointment for review.