Abstract
Effective communication is a core component of quality cancer care, yet is challenging for patients and doctors alike. Many doctors find that “breaking bad news” consultations are particularly difficult and stressful. This chapter addresses how truth-telling within bad news consultations is approached in Australia. The cultural norm is for open disclosure and truth-telling, yet there are many situations in which physicians still struggle to break bad news, with little support or training. Unique features of the Australian environment, and Australian government policy, clinical practice guidelines, and training opportunities for breaking bad news, are reviewed. Evidence on current practice in Australia is presented. Cultural issues, which are of great importance in a multi-cultural society such as Australia, are discussed. Finally, Australian-developed tools to facilitate bad news discussions are described, and recommendations for the future are made.
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