Rationale and key points

Delivering bad news is a challenging yet essential aspect of clinical practice that requires sensitivity, clarity and compassion. The way healthcare professionals deliver bad news can significantly influence the patient’s emotional response, their understanding of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options, their capacity to cope with the situation, and their ability to make informed decisions about their care. Recognising the importance of delivering bad news effectively and compassionately, this article offers a step-by-step guide for nurses and other healthcare professionals working in cancer care who are tasked with delivering bad news.

• When delivering bad news, clear and compassionate communication helps to build trust and minimise distress.

• Preparing oneself to deliver bad news involves understanding the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan.

• Healthcare professionals need self-care and support to manage the emotional toll of delivering bad news.

Reflective activity

‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

• How this article might improve your practice when delivering bad news.

• How you could use this information to educate students or colleagues on the appropriate techniques required for delivering bad news.