Original Article PHYSICIANS PERSPECTIVE OF BREAKING BAD NEWS-SPIKES PROTOCOL

Abstract

Background:

Doctor patient relationship is one of the closest and trusted relationship. An effective and good communication is the key to a satisfied client with enhanced capacity to take right decisions. To assess physician knowledge and attitude about SPIKES protocol of breaking bad news.
Material and Methods:

This cross sectional study was conducted at Ghurki Trust Teaching hospital affiliated with Lahore Medical & Dental College from 1st October 2023 to 31st December 2023. We used convenient sampling through a questionnaire based on SPIKES protocol which will be filled by doctors who consented to participate in the study.

Results:

A total of 182 doctors belonging to different specialties of the hospital participated in the study. There were 153 (84.1%) females and 29 (15.9%) males. Majority (63.1%) were residents and had less than 10 years of experience. 90.6% were not aware of the SPIKES protocol for breaking bad news and (68.1%) learnt by seeing experts or by hit and trial. About 48.9% considered setting of BBN should be in an office. Majority (80.2%) had a tendency to tell the truth about diagnosis to both patients and family members. About 60.4% admitted that they listened to questions asked by patients without interruption. Half of the participants (53.8%) felt sad while delivering bad news. About fears faced by doctors while BBN 37.9% feared they will be ending hope for patient and 20.3% feared of patient’s reaction. One hundred and sixty (87.9%) participants believed that it is very important to incorporate “how to break bad news” in graduation course.

Conclusion:

Breaking bad news is an essential communication skill for doctors. Training should be given about protocol in undergraduate years.