Future doctors’ priorities and approach to breaking bad news

Introduction
Proper knowledge and skills in communication with patients and their families are important for medical doctors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the attitude of medical students towards breaking bad news and the influence of participation in Areopag Etyczny on change of attitude.

Material and methods
The analysis included participants of the Areopag Etyczny course in Puckie Hospice in summer 2018. The study was conducted using a questionnaire filled out by participants before and after the course.

Results
The study included 20 medical students. According to the respondents’ opinion the doctor should inform patients about diagnosis and poor prognosis (definitely yes before and after the course – 65% and 90% respondents, respectively). All subjects felt that truth helps patients in some way (definitely helps before and after the course – 45% and 80% respondents, respectively). All respondents believed that it is possible to provide information about a poor prognosis in such a way as not to deprive someone of hope (definitely yes before and after the course – 45% and 85% respondents, respectively). In the case of a serious illness, all students claimed that they wanted to know the truth. The course significantly influenced the predictions regarding the severity of some negative feelings that may accompany breaking bad news. The perception of priorities in the context of daily medical practice also was changed (increasing importance of taking care of oneself).

Conclusions
The training for medical students in breaking bad news helps to create the proper attitudes of future doctors.