How to break bad news?: Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: We conducted a systematic review of studies that focus on existing protocols for oncologists and other physicians who are in touch with cancer patients.Method:We searched all internationally published articles on the introduction of a protocol as the guideline. To this purpose, we did a thorough search of Pubmed and Cochrane Collaboration Library databases and reviewed all articles from 2010 to 2017.Results:We introduced 7 papers from 7 countries and evaluated their proposed protocols. A primary protocol called SPIKES had been discussed in most studies. This protocol emphasized the six steps of setting, perception, invitation, knowledge, empathy and summary.Conclusion: BBN is a balanced action that requires oncologists and other specialists to consistently adapt to its different criteria. Developing the ability to personalize and adapt to therapeutic treatment with respect to communications can be a major step forward in the training and exercises that physicians receive in connection to communication skills.