Breaking bad news in spinal cord injury; a qualitative study assessing the perspective of spinal cord injury survivors in Turkey

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1311463 · Published: May 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Turkey experience the delivery of bad news regarding their condition. It looks at their preferences for how this information should be communicated. The research involved interviewing SCI survivors about their experiences and preferences related to receiving bad news, focusing on who delivered the news, when, where, and how. The study found that many participants were not satisfied with the way they received information about their SCI, particularly concerning the knowledge provided and the emotional support offered by rehabilitation physicians. They preferred to receive bad news from a senior, trusted physician during rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

14 spinal cord injury survivors

Evidence Level

Qualitative, cross sectional study

Key Findings

1
Most spinal cord injury survivors were unsatisfied with knowledge and emotional support provided by rehabilitation physicians.
2
Participants would prefer to receive bad news by a senior physiatrist in a planned meeting during rehabilitation.
3
Half were not satisfied with the content of information and were not able to ask questions.

Research Summary

This qualitative study investigated the experiences and preferences of survivors of SCI about receiving bad news in depth by means of semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that, nearly half of the participants received bad news from a physician, however most of them found the information insufficient. Participants’ preferences were also different as well as their experiences. Different expectations and preferences imply the importance of BBN and responsibilities of the attending physician about the issue.

Practical Implications

Improved Communication Protocols

Develop communication protocols tailored to SCI patients, emphasizing empathy and clear, honest information delivery.

Physician Training

Provide training for physicians on effectively delivering bad news, focusing on emotional support and addressing patient concerns.

Cultural Sensitivity

Consider cultural differences in communication preferences when delivering bad news to SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Recall of experiences may be influenced by time since discharge, current health status, emotional and social support.
2
The recollection of BBN experience may have changed over time.
3
Small sample size is another limitation.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury