BREAKING BAD NEWS IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Breaking bad news is a distressing situation for both patients and physicians. Physician communication should contemplate patient preferences for an effective process. <h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate the communication process of breaking bad news in head and neck cancer patients according to their perception and satisfaction. <h3>Methods</h3> A total of 100 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer were interviewed. An instrument based on the Breaking Bad News Assessment Schedule was applied to measure perception of the diagnostic information as well as patient satisfaction according to SPIKES protocol standards (Setting up, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Emotions, Strategy and Summary). Data were analyzed using Student <i>t</i> test and the chi-square test. <i>P</i> < .05 was considered statistically significant. <h3>Results</h3> Forty women and 60 men with an average age of 57.96 ± 14.84 years were interviewed. Satisfaction percentage was 85%. An excellent/good perception was reported in 87 patients. Physician sex, age, or healthcare sector variables were not associated with patient satisfaction and perception. Medical specialty was statistically related to the satisfaction and perception of patients. Best scores were obtained by oncologist surgeons and oral medicine practitioners (<i>P</i> = .001). <h3>Conclusions</h3> In general, cancer patients were satisfied with professionals' ability to provide adequate information using good communication skills. Physicians who occasionally manage cancer patients were not prepared to deliver the diagnosis. The provision of the truth as well as emotional support was highly appreciated by patients.