Breaking bad news to people with a learning disability.
This article identifies the difficulties often associated with breaking bad news, from a nursing perspective. The additional considerations involved in breaking bad news to people with learning disabilities are identified, and a six-step protocol (Buckman, 1991) is introduced and explored in relation to this client group. Effective communication is seen to be crucial when working with people with a learning disability, and a system for accurate listening is offered (Conboy-Hill, 1992). Finally, recommendations for helping professionals to learn how to break bad news sensitively to this client group are suggested. They include multi-agency working, education and training opportunities, standard statements, resources, support and research initiatives.
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Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Keele, City General Hospital, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.
D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D014342:Truth Disclosure