[Breaking bad news--information for doctors].

The article broaches the subject of breaking bad news. Medical doctors deal with such a problem frequently, not always well-prepared for their role. Obviously, each patient should be treated individually, not only because every disease is a unique case, but also because patients have their own hopes and expectations. In order to conduct a discussion containing bad news, it is worth to base on the scheme presented in the article. Preparation for the meeting is crucial. Besides the fact that it facilitates the dialogue, it also enables presenting information in the right way. Firstly, it is important to listen to the patient carefully, clarify his concerns and then answer all his questions and doubt. Next, if the patient is willing, the doctor should discuss the state of health, possible therapies and prognosis. The end of the talk should consist of appropriate summary and the date of the next meeting. The article emphasize that truth and reliability are extremely significant in contact with a patient. Moreover, it presents the area of information which can be talked about with the family. The authors try to approach the dialogue which contains bad news, reveal various possibility of conducting the discussion and dealing with problems.