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Review
. 2023 Mar 22;9(4):e14734.
doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14734. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Breaking bad news in medical services: a comprehensive systematic review

Rostam Jalali  1 , Amir Jalali  2 , Milad Jalilian  1
Affiliations
Review

Breaking bad news in medical services: a comprehensive systematic review

Rostam Jalali et al. Heliyon. .

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.

Keywords: Bad news; Breaking bad news; Critical care outcomes; Critical patients; Culture; Death; Medical services; Truth disclosures.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA abstract diagram for process of search, study selection and extract. Notes: Designed based on the Moher D et al. [67].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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