Breaking Away From Breaking Bad News: Rethinking the Doctor-Patient Interaction

Abstract

Effective communication is a critical skill for physicians, taught from the early stages of medical training. Breaking bad news is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of medical communication. Parents of children with genetic syndromes often have a more complex and nuanced view of their children's lives, beyond the simplicity which a 'breaking bad news' framework allows. Shifting towards open, unbiased conversations can empower patients and enhance the doctor-patient relationship, acknowledging the complexity of individual experiences and perspectives.