Paediatric SpRs' experiences of breaking bad news.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the level of support and training available to paediatric specialist registrars (SpRs) in breaking bad news and their self-reported confidence in this task.


METHODS
A questionnaire-based survey.


METHODS
Paediatric SpRs working in North Thames region.


METHODS
Specialist registrars (n = 206) were sent a questionnaire relating to the level of support and training available to them in breaking bad news and their attitudes to this task. A repeat questionnaire was sent out 2 weeks later.


RESULTS
The response rate was 54.9%. The study sample included 78 females and 34 males. The median year of qualification was 1995 [interquartile range (IQR) 1993-1997] and the median year of Calman training was Year 3 (IQR 2-4). Only 15.9% of participants had guidelines where they worked and 91.2% had received training in breaking bad news. Median self-perceived confidence in breaking bad news was rated as 4 out of 5. Only 21.2% of all respondents had both disclosed a diagnosis of Down syndrome and received feedback on their performance from their seniors. Few SpRs were able to adhere to all evidence-based recommendations for breaking bad news.


CONCLUSIONS
Most SpRs had received training in breaking bad news and self-reported confidence in this skill was high, although their hands-on experience was limited. Recent research shows, however, that parental dissatisfaction with the way in which bad news is broken remains high. The potential discrepancy between self-reported confidence and actual competence casts doubt on the value of self-evaluation.
Horwitz
N
N
Greenland Road Children's Centre, London, UK. nicole_horwitz@hotmail.com
Ellis
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012655:Self-Evaluation Programs / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure