Training activity information
Details
Discuss a result with a patient that has negative implications for the patient, and provide the relevant information, options and support within professional practice
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- For example: azoospermia and failure to respond to medication
- Introductions and confirming patient identity
- Communication of complex information to non-experts
- Two-way communication to ensure patient awareness of procedures
- Patient centred care and support
- Confidentiality and the limits of the concept of confidentiality
- Acknowledgment of emotional difficulties
- Local patient support policy
- Access to counselling services and support groups
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What key information needs to be conveyed when discussing negative results with a patient?
- What options for further investigation or support should be discussed? How can this be done within the boundaries of professional practice?
- How will this activity develop your skills in communicating difficult or sensitive information to patients?
- What will you learn about providing appropriate emotional support to patients receiving negative results?
- How will this activity enhance your understanding of your professional responsibilities and ethical considerations in patient communication?
- Will you discuss best practices for communicating negative results with your training officer or other experienced healthcare professionals?
In action
- How are you preparing to discuss the negative result with the patient? What information are you prioritising?
- How are you structuring the conversation to deliver the news sensitively?
- What options and support resources are you planning to discuss with the patient?
- What aspects of this difficult communication task feel most challenging, and where are you focusing on your communication skills?
- How do you feel the patient is receiving the information? Are they understanding the implications?
- What challenges are you encountering in balancing the need to provide clear information with empathy and support?
- What are you learning about communicating difficult news and providing appropriate support to patients?
- How does this activity relate to your understanding of professional conduct, ethical considerations, and patient-centred care?
- How are you responding to the patient’s emotional reactions and questions?
- Are you adjusting your communication style to meet the patient’s needs in the moment?
- Are you ensuring you are providing information within your professional boundaries and signposting to appropriate support services?
On action
- What was the main result you discussed?
- What were the patient’s initial reactions?
- What aspects of the conversation stand out to you?
- What were the key moments or turning points in the discussion?
- Consider the environment in which the discussion took place. Did this have any impact?
- What support did you provide to the patient?
- What options did you discuss?
- What aspects of the patient’s verbal and non-verbal communication did you observe?
- Did any unexpected challenges or successes occur during the activity? What were they?
- What adjustments did you make during the conversation based on the patient’s responses?
- What communication skills did you utilise during this activity?
- How effective do you feel these were in conveying the information and providing support?
- Consider your ability to explain complex information in a clear and empathetic manner.
- Where did you feel confident, and where did you find it more challenging?
- How well did you manage the emotional aspects of the discussion?
- What did you learn about your own emotional responses in such situations?
- Did you feel you provided the relevant information and options effectively?
- What could you have done differently?
- Reflect on your ability to provide support within your professional practice. Did you feel equipped to do so?
- What decisions did you make as the activity progressed? Why did you make these decisions?
- What areas for continued development have been identified as a result of this activity?
- What specific skills or knowledge would you like to improve?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to your routine practice when communicating negative results to patients?
- Identify the actions you will now take to support the assimilation of what you have learned.
- Will you seek further training, read relevant materials, or discuss with colleagues?
- What support or resources might you need to further develop in the areas identified through this reflection?
Beyond action
- Have you revisited your approach to discussing negative results with patients?
- This is a critical communication skill.
- How has your understanding of patient support and professional practice evolved since this training activity?
- Have you had opportunities to discuss sensitive results with patients and how did this experience inform your approach?
- How has this training activity enhanced your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, providing relevant information, options, and support within your scope of practice?
- Can you identify specific communication techniques or resources you now utilise as a result of reflecting on this experience?
- The ability to communicate difficult news with sensitivity and provide appropriate support is a cornerstone of professional practice.
- How will the learning from this training activity continue to shape your approach to patient communication in challenging situations throughout your career?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Practice safely in accordance with quality management and regulatory standards. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Explain procedures and care options to patients, providing support within the scope of practice and identifying options for onward referral. |