Question

Patients react to bad news differently. What are five communication tips to practice as a MA when communicating with a patient following delivery of bad news? Conversely, what is one thing you should never say to a patient?

Answer 1

Delivering bad news to patients would be a challenge yet there are communication tips to practice on how to communicate with patients in delivering bad news. First is to build a relationship. This can be done by establishing rapport to have a foundation when needed to deliver a bad news. Second is to demonstrate empathy. One can comfort the patient by putting one in the patient's shoes. Third, speak in plain language. This is done by saying words in vernacular for patient to understand and not in medical terms. Fourth is to understand the client's perspective by clarifying of things he or she meant and if both are on the same page. Fifth, be sure to be available for more interaction. This means if patients would ask more questions as an MA one should be readily available. The one thing though that one should never say to a patient is it won't hurt at all as we know that is not true when receiving bad news.