The Role of Nurses in Delivering Bad News to the Patient and Family: An Integrated Review Study

Abstract

Background: Since nurses play a central role in communicating with physicians, patients, and patients' families, special attention should be paid to their role in delivering bad news. Objective: This review aims at describing and highlighting the role of nurses in announcing bad news to patients and families. Methods: This was an integrated review. To collect data, a literature search was conducted in the Persian and English databases of Magiran, Scientific Information Base (SID), Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed. Eligibility criteria included publishing in English and Persian between January 1, 1980, and January 1, 2022, describing the role of nurses in delivering bad news to the patient and family. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) were used to screen and select relevant studies. Critical appraisal tools provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) were used for quality assessment. The collected data were analyzed, using constant comparative methods. Results: Of the 453 unique records screened, only 26 met the eligibility criteria. The results show that delivering bad news is a team process, in which nurses have several roles. Their main roles were classified into 4 categories: Manager, facilitator, educator, and supporter/advocate, and 74 subordinate roles. Conclusions: The role of nurses in delivering bad news to patients and their families is important. Their behavior and communication skills significantly affect how they receive this news. Neglecting the role of nurses in this process can damage the patient's trust and understanding of the quality of care. Therefore, nurses should be trained in delivering bad news and supporting patients and families in difficult situations.