Breaking bad news in medical services: a comprehensive systematic review. Issue 4 (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jalali, Rostam; Jalali, Amir; Jalilian, Milad
• Is Part Of: Heliyon. Volume 9:Issue 4(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Bad news -- Breaking bad news -- Medical services -- Critical care outcomes -- Death -- Truth disclosures -- Critical patients -- Culture; Research -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; 507.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14734
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8440

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study was performed with the aims of screening the previous studies on breaking bad news in all medical wards. Methods: Eligible observational studies were selected. The quality of the studies was assessed using the STROBE checklist. The findings were reported using Garrard's table. All the stages of the present study were performed in terms of the PRISMA statement. Results: Totally, 40 articles were included in the study and 96 items were extracted. The results show that breaking bad news is a recipient-centered process. Respect, empathy, and support were reported. The news presenters are better to use guidelines based on evidence-based findings. It is suggested that the presenter should use simple and understandable content. Moreover, suitable time and space are important to present the news. The results show the importance of paying enough attention to the emotions of the recipient and the need to provide support after breaking bad news. Conclusion: The recipient must be the center of the programs. It is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of the news presenter, the news content, and finally the support. Practice Implication: Understand the recipient, trained presenter, and use of the evidence-based results, improve the breaking bad news outcome.