Breaking bad news in neonatal intensive care units

Abstract

The SPIKES protocol is one of the most didactic tools to teach the communication of bad news, a skill that requires sensitivity and preparation. This article analyzed the perceptions of pediatrics residents and the mothers of neonates about the communication of bad news in a neonatal intensive care unit. This is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, based on visual anthropology, in which the SPIKES protocol was used in two focus groups, with Bardin’s content analytics approach by categories.
Problems were reported as inadequate environment to break bad news, limitations in the perception of mothers, lack of medical availability to talk, inadequate language and difficulty to deal with emotions, clarify doubts and discuss strategies with family members. Reflection on these issues aims to improve theoretical learning and stimulate self-criticism, seeking empathy and the humanization of care.