EC Paediatrics

Introduction: Effective communication of bad news in paediatrics can reduce anxiety, foster hope, and support informed decision-making. This complex skill is essential for physicians and should be systematically taught, practiced, and refined to ensure high-quality, compassionate care.

Objectives: To assess physicians’ knowledge and confidence in delivering bad news and evaluate the impact of a communication training session in a Paediatric Department (PD).

Methods: Data were collected using two self-reported questionnaires, one before and one after a 30-40-minute theoretical training session on breaking bad news. All participants were actively involved in paediatric clinical care. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results: Twenty-eight physicians participated, 85.71% female (n = 24). Most had prior training in breaking bad news (n = 18; 64.29%), mainly during undergraduate education (n = 10; 45.45%). Only half felt competent in delivering bad news (n = 14; 51.85%), and almost all reported discomfort (n = 26; 96.30%). Post-training, competence (n = 26; 92.86%) and comfort (n = 23; 82.14%) improved. Significant gains were observed in recognizing situations as bad news: communicating a diagnosis (p = 0.021), need for hospitalization (p = 0.002), and requirement for specific treatment (p < 0.001). The perceived importance of honesty and sincerity increased (p = 0.001), and identifying inappropriate language as a barrier decreased (p = 0.031).

Conclusion: Short, structured training can significantly improve physicians’ self-perceived competence and comfort in breaking bad news in paediatric settings. Targeted programs tailored to departmental needs enhance awareness, ethical sensitivity, and communication strategies, fostering empathy, professionalism, and trust in the patient-provider relationship.

 Keywords: Breaking Bad News; Paediatrics; Communication; Communication Training; Ethics in Paediatrics; Clinical Communication Skills

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