Breaking bad news: self-perception of medical students

Authors

Abstract

This study analyzed medical students’ self-perception regarding their aptitude to communicate bad news and identify associated factors. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 44.1% of 214 participants considered themselves suitable for the approach. The following were associated with greater self-perception of aptitude for breaking bad news: more time in the course (p<0.001); believing that the undergraduate course offered the necessary resources to acquire the skill to communicate bad news (p<0.001); knowing a validated protocol (p=0.015); having needed to communicate bad news during the undergraduate course (p<0.001). In conclusion, most students felt unable to communicate bad news. Knowing a protocol and having the need to communicate bad news during the undergraduate course were essential for aptitude. As a suggestion, the topic should be approached differently, with more practical activities.

Keywords:

Health communication. Physician-patient relation. Education, higher.

Author Biographies

Esther Angelica Luiz Ferreira, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar)

Professora Adjunta do Departamento de Medicina (DMed)

Fernanda Dermando Brida, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar)

Graduanda de Medicina do Departamento de Medicina (DMed)

Emilio Martins Curcelli, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar)

Graduando de Medicina do Departamento de Medicina (DMed)

Cristina Ortiz Sobrinho Valete, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar)

Professora Associada do Departamento de Medicina (DMed)
Vol. 30 No. 1 (2022): Revista Bioética 30(1)

Published:

2022-04-05

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How to Cite

1.
Ferreira EAL, Brida FD, Curcelli EM, Valete COS. Breaking bad news: self-perception of medical students. Rev. bioét.(Impr.). [Internet]. 2022 Apr. 5 [cited 2024 Jul. 3];30(1). Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/2702