Breaking bad news in cancer care. Part 2: Practical skills.
The first part of this paper on breaking bad news in cancer care appeared in the June 2002 issue and examined desirable human qualities for staff giving bad news and potential barriers to its successful delivery. In this final part the author examines who should break news of a cancer diagnosis or poor prognosis, the practical skills required and patients' possible reactions.
Higgins
Donna
D
Frimley Park Hospital NHS Trust, Surrey.
D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D014342:Truth Disclosure