Patients’ preferences on breaking bad news: a cross-sectional study from Iran

Abstract

Background: The sensitivity and skill of care providers, especially physicians, while communicating bad news to patients can improve patients' acceptance of treatment and their emotional adjustment. We aimed to determine how to break bad news to cancer patients and consider their preferences in this regard. Methods: This is a cross­sectional study in which 249 patients participated. The Poisson sampling method was used. Data were collected using the Measure of Patient Preferences (MPP) and patient demographic profile forms. Results: Of the 249 participants, 178 (71.5%) were aware of their cancer diagnosis and 201 (80.7%) preferred to be informed of their cancer diagnosis. Patients’ preferences included: “Having his/ her doctor take the time to answer all of his/her questions completely”, “Feeling confident about his/her doctor's technical competence and skill”, and “His/her doctor telling him/her the best treatment option”. Conclusion: According to our results, care providers should consider patients' preferences in communicating and delivering bad news. Achieving this goal requires managers to plan for improving the communication skills of healthcare providers.