'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.
Start the
module