Preferences and attitudes of the Saudi population toward receiving medical bad news: A primary study from Riyadh city

Abstract

Background:Breaking bad news is one of the most stressful and difficult things a physician has to do. Good communication skills are required in order to ensure that bad news is delivered in a humane but effective way.Objectives:This study was designed to explore the preferences and attitude of the Saudi population toward receiving bad news. Second, it was to identify the associations between preferences, attitudes, and sociodemographic characteristics.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted during the month of April 2009 in Riyadh. Data were collected from 1013 adult Saudis. Stratified random sampling technique was used through a self-administered questionnaire.Results:In this study, 474 (46.8%) were males and 539 (53.2%) were females. Almost two-third of the participants preferred to be the first to receive the bad news. A majority of the participants 695 (68.6%) preferred to be told the bad news at a private place, whereas, 441 (43.5%) preferred to be told by the head of the medical team. Moreover, almost half of the participants would like the one who breaks the bad news to remain with them to give them some more information about the disease. Significant associations were observed between participants' perception and attitude with age, marital status, gender, and education (P < 0.001), respectively.Conclusion:Factors such as marital status, age, and gender, and education play significant roles in how bad news is received. Understanding what is important in the process of breaking bad news may help in determining how best to perform this challenging task.

The experiences of patients and their family members when receiving bad news about cancer: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

“…Numerous quantitative studies have explored the preferences of those receiving bad news internationally, mostly utilising questionnaires . Evidence from such studies suggests that across cultures, the majority of patients want to be informed of their diagnosis, would like the news delivered by a physician, and want the news to be given calmly in a private place . However, such studies infrequently include family member preferences and, because of being survey‐based, may be limited in their ability to provide a nuanced perspective on this complex process for the receivers of bad news.…”

“…[11][12][13][14] Evidence from such studies suggests that across cultures, the majority of patients want to be informed of their diagnosis, 15 would like the news delivered by a physician, 14,16 and want the news to be given calmly in a private place. 15,17 However, such studies infrequently include family member preferences and, because of being surveybased, may be limited in their ability to provide a nuanced perspective on this complex process for the receivers of bad news. As Pollock, Moghaddam, Cox, Wilson, and Howard 18 suggested, qualitative findings in this area are important to contextualise such survey outcomes.…”

Breaking bad news: doctors’ skills in communicating with patients

“…7 They may consist of denial, deep distress, blame or fear of emotions, diseases and death. 4,5 Although some studies have stated that patients want honesty, compassion, care and affectivity, and to have their doubts clarified by their doctors, 3 they also expect not only professionalism and competence in clinical skills, but also effectiveness of communication. 8 However, this should not be done in a cold or careless manner.…”

“…1 The term "bad news" means any information that is given to patients and their families, which directly or indirectly reveals any negative or severe disorder that could change their future perspectives and vision of life. [2][3][4][5][6] Many difficulties that doctors have in breaking bad news can be explained by their fear of causing harm and suffering to their patients, and fear of being blamed for or having to deal with their patients' emotions. All of these emotions may be unpredictable and unexpected.…”

“…The last but not least important step "S", strategy and summary, is the time to suggest what the treatment should be, and what the prognosis is, and also to summarize everything that has been said, in order to check that patient has understood it. [2][3][4][5][6] Studies have shown that doctors and healthcare professionals who take a training course on breaking bad news do not depend exclusively on their own experiences or observations, and they feel more comfortable and confident when communicating such information. Thus, holding workshops that teach techniques for breaking bad news will produce better prepared and more confident professionals.…”