Delivering Difficult News

Delivering difficult news is one of the most emotionally demanding and essential responsibilities in clinical practice. Whether disclosing a terminal diagnosis, treatment failure, or end-of-life decision, healthcare professionals must communicate with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.

This 1-hour CME/CE course prepares providers across all specialties to navigate these sensitive conversations. The training explores the emotional, psychological, and ethical complexities of disclosing difficult news and equips learners with best-practice strategies and structured models to guide the process. Particular emphasis is placed on avoiding common pitfalls, understanding the impact of poor communication, and utilizing frameworks such as the SPIKES model to enhance patient understanding and emotional outcomes.

This course fulfills state-mandated CE requirements in Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care for physicians, physician assistants, and nurses in New York, Vermont, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Iowa, and West Virginia.

Educational Objectives

• Discuss the importance of developing competency in delivering difficult news to patients and families.
• Identify the emotional, psychological, and professional consequences of delivering difficult news poorly.
• Cite evidence-based communication models for difficult conversations, including the SPIKES model.
• Apply the SPIKES protocol in real-world clinical scenarios to enhance patient-centered communication.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is designed for:

• Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurses in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Iowa, and West Virginia.
• Clinicians practicing in palliative care, oncology, geriatrics, primary care, or hospice settings.
• Healthcare professionals seeking to improve communication and patient trust during emotionally sensitive encounters.
• Providers aiming to meet continuing education requirements in Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care.

Did You Know?

• A 2022 JAMA study showed that over 60% of patients reported dissatisfaction with how difficult news was delivered to them.
• The SPIKES model is one of the most validated frameworks used worldwide for delivering bad news. [Baile et al., The Oncologist, 2000]
• Poor communication during difficult conversations can lead to increased anxiety, mistrust, and even legal complaints. [BMJ, 2021]
• Training in empathetic communication has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and provider confidence. [Annals of Family Medicine, 2020]
• End-of-life discussions are associated with improved quality of life, reduced ICU admissions, and better bereavement outcomes for families. [NEJM, 2008]