Breaking news is the term used to describe current events that are developing rapidly, such as a shooting or a fire. This type of news is deemed so urgent that media outlets interrupt regular programming to run special reportage on it. Breaking news is typically the most dramatic and challenging to cover, so media outlets are in a rush to be first with the story and often end up reporting things that turn out to be wrong.
NPs must learn to break bad news to patients and families, as it is one of the most important communication skills in their repertoire. It is a skill that requires special preparation and a mental strategy for the entire interaction, including dealing with emotion and providing support to family members. This is especially true when delivering the difficult news that treatment has failed and there are no further options for disease control or even death.
In a medical context, breaking bad news is a challenge that all physicians must face at some point. It is a sensitive interaction that can have a significant therapeutic effect if done well, but it also has the potential to be extremely distressing and potentially a source of malpractice claims. The best messengers take the time to understand the recipient, empathize with them and explore their individual psychology — their strengths and vulnerabilities. They also do their homework and find out what the recipient already knows so they don’t repeat information or prolong an uncomfortable situation.
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