Breaking Bad News in the ICU: Part A

Improving communication for ICU clinicians

The lecture duration is 28min.

0.5 CPD Points, 0.5 CEUs, 0.5 CME credits approval pending.
Accredited by CPDUK, CBRN and Provider Pending.

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Dale Gardiner
Associate Medical Director, Organ Donation, NHSBT
Lecture Summary

Most ICU doctors think they are good communicators. Maybe you are. Maybe you are not. But all of us can be better communicators. In this talk, we will share our experience in leading UK ICU teaching in breaking bad news and organ donation conversations. We'll break some myths, share some approaches – including a structured approach which we call 'Breaking bad news as a Shakespearean tragedy' – and warn you of common pitfalls. But being a better communicator yourself is just a start. As ICU leaders how do you formally teach and debrief communication? We want to complete the circle and finish the session by helping you become communication leaders and teachers.

Target Audience

Critical Care Doctors
Experienced or advanced Critical Care Nurses
Benefits for all healthcare staff

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

  • Describe the communication myths we have all been taught
  • Implement technical skills needed for better communication
  • Describe a structured approach for breaking bad news
  • Avoid common pitfalls to good communication
  • Teach and debrief communication