R C Charlton1. 1. Department of General Practice, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of a sympathetic approach to breaking bad news in the doctor-patient relationship. DATA SOURCES: Worldwide surveys of views on truth disclosure by health care professionals, the public, and patients with cancer and other diseases. STUDY SELECTION: Surveys using a Medline Computer Search were identified. DATA EXTRACTION: Twenty-two questionnaire studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: 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.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of a sympathetic approach to breaking bad news in the doctor-patient relationship. DATA SOURCES: Worldwide surveys of views on truth disclosure by health care professionals, the public, and patients with cancer and other diseases. STUDY SELECTION: Surveys using a Medline Computer Search were identified. DATA EXTRACTION: Twenty-two questionnaire studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: 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.
Authors: Allison J Applebaum; Elissa A Kolva; Julia R Kulikowski; Jordana D Jacobs; Antonio DeRosa; Wendy G Lichtenthal; Megan E Olden; Barry Rosenfeld; William Breitbart Journal: J Health Psychol Date: 2013-10-24