Breaking bad news.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the importance of a sympathetic approach to breaking bad news in the doctor-patient relationship.


METHODS
Worldwide surveys of views on truth disclosure by health care professionals, the public, and patients with cancer and other diseases.


METHODS
Surveys using a Medline Computer Search were identified.


METHODS
Twenty-two questionnaire studies.


RESULTS
The data obtained demonstrate trends of an increasing wish since 1950 on the part of patients, the public and doctors for more openness.


CONCLUSIONS
The skills necessary for breaking bad news well can be acquired through organised undergraduate and postgraduate education which emphasises a good working doctor-patient relationship.
Charlton
R C
RC
Department of General Practice, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003479:Curriculum; D003645:Death, Sudden; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D014342:Truth Disclosure