54. Giving bad news PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

54. Giving bad news

A	Principles of giving bad news 1.       Give warning. √ I’m afraid your test results aren’t very good √ I’m sorry to have to tell you that the news isn’t good. 2.      Choose an appropriate setting and have a friend or relative of the patient present. 3.      Take time. 4.      Use appropriate language 5.      Emphasize the positive. √ There’s still a lot we can do to help you. √ Chemotherapy will make you more comfortable. 6.      Discuss the prognosis. √ One can never be certain about these things but I’d say √ it’s a matter of months rather than years. 7.      Supplement the verbal message. √ I’d like to record this consultation so you can listen again if anything isn’t clear. 8.      Arrange a follow-up session. √ I’d like to see you again next week. √ Can you come in again next week. 9.      Confirm that the patient understands. √ Could you tell me what we’re going to do for you? √ Is everything clear to you?
B	A consultant medical oncologist’s report Mr Harry Scott Diagnosis: Previous pancreatic cancer I reviewed Mr Scott in the Oncology Clinic today. He has been less well and has lost 12 kg in the past few months. Unfortunately, his CT scan shows an area of ill-defined low attenuation in the tall of the pancreas. Although this is consistent

EXERCISES

54.1	Complete the extract from the oncologist’s consultation with Mr. Scott. Look at A and B above to help you. Oncologist: Mr Scott (1) ____________ so you and Mrs Scott can play back later anything that may not be clear to you today. (2) ____________ that the scan results aren’t very good. It’s likely that you’ve got a reccurence of cancer in your pancreas. That would explain why you’ve been feeling so tired, and loss your appetite and weight. Mr Scott: Will I need surgery?
54.2	Complete the sentences with words from the box. Look at A and B above to help you. for into to with 1 The results are consistent ________ recurrent cancer. 2 His GP referred him ________ an oncologist. 3 The patient was disappointed ________ the news. 4 The prognosis was discussed ________ the patient and his wife. 5 The patient was booked ________ the ward for further chemotherapy. 6 He was keen ________ this to happen.

Answer key