Communication Skills – How to Break Bad News#701524

• Master techniques for delivering bad news compassionately.
• Understand patient and family reactions to bad news.
• Learn how to support patients emotionally after receiving bad news.
• Enhance non-verbal communication and active listening skills.
• Practice breaking bad news in simulated real-world scenarios.
• Build resilience and manage your own emotions during difficult conversations.

• Doctors (all specialties, particularly oncology, emergency medicine, palliative care)
• Nurses
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Medical Students
• Other healthcare professionals who need to communicate difficult information

• Pre-assessment and post-assessment to measure skill development.
• Live group instruction by experienced healthcare communication specialists.
• Group activities, role-playing, and interactive discussions.
• Real-world examples and case studies.
• Hands-on workshops in simulated environments.
• PowerPoint presentations, LCD displays, and flip charts for better understanding.
• Each participant receives a binder containing the course materials.

Day 1: Foundations of Communication and Breaking Bad News
• Session 1: The Principles of Effective Communication
o Understanding communication dynamics.
o Barriers to effective communication in healthcare.
o The role of empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Session 2: Introduction to Breaking Bad News
o Overview of the SPIKES protocol (Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, Strategy).
o Tailoring your approach to individual patient needs.
o Identifying the right time and place for difficult conversations.
• Workshop 1: Role-Playing Common Scenarios
o Scenario 1: Delivering a terminal diagnosis to a patient.
o Group discussions and feedback from instructors and peers.

Day 2: Advanced Skills in Delivering Bad News and Managing Reactions
• Session 1: Managing Emotional Responses and Reactions
o Recognizing patient and family responses (shock, denial, anger).
o Strategies to handle emotional outbursts or silence.
o Providing support and resources for patients and families post-discussion.
• Session 2: Non-Verbal Communication and Listening Skills
o The importance of body language, tone, and silence.
o Active listening techniques to ensure understanding and comfort.
o How to align verbal and non-verbal communication effectively.
• Workshop 2: Case-Based Simulations and Feedback
o Scenario 2: Breaking bad news to a family about a sudden death.
o Facilitated group role-playing with immediate feedback.

Day 3: Complex Conversations and Building Resilience
• Session 1: Breaking Bad News in Complex Situations
o Communicating difficult news across cultural and linguistic barriers.
o Handling cases involving children, vulnerable adults, or mentally impaired patients.
o Breaking bad news in an emergency setting (e.g., unexpected patient death).
• Session 2: Self-Care for Healthcare Providers
o Managing your own emotions and stress when delivering bad news.
o Strategies for maintaining mental well-being and resilience.
o Debriefing after difficult conversations: How to support colleagues and team members.
• Workshop 3: Final Simulations and Group Discussion
o Scenario 3: Delivering bad news to a parent about a child’s prognosis.
o Peer feedback and instructor-guided review of key techniques.
o Final reflections and group discussion on lessons learned.