Evaluation of "Breaking bad news" training with simulated patients.
4 affiliations
- 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Education and Informatics, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Türkiye, Turkey.
- 2Süleyman Demirel University Institute of Health Sciences, Isparta, Türkiye, Turkey.
- 3Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Education and Informatics, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Türkiye, Turkey. [email protected].
- 4Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey. [email protected].
Abstract
Introduction
Effective communication of breaking bad news is a critical skill in medical practice that affects patient outcomes and healthcare provider well-being. The SPIKES protocol provides a systematic framework for delivering bad news to patients empathetically and effectively.Aim
This study aimed to evaluate a structured training program utilizing the SPIKES approach among sixth-year students at the Süleyman Demirel University Medical School during their Emergency Medicine internship.Method
A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative research design was employed, involving 42 volunteer students who conducted simulated patient interviews based on predefined bad news scenarios. Assessment was conducted using the SPIKES-Based Performance Evaluation Checklist aligned with the SPIKES principles, and student satisfaction with the training program was assessed through a post-training questionnaire.Results
The results indicated strong reliability of the assessment checklist (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82) and positive correlations between the SPIKES subgroups. Students performed well in structuring interviews and understanding patient perceptions, while opportunities for improvement were identified in responding to patient requests for information and in empathetically addressing emotions.Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of integrating structured bad news communication training into medical education curricula. While the study is limited by its sample size, it provides foundational insights into enhancing students' competence and confidence in delivering bad news, thereby preparing them for patient-centered care in clinical settings.
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BibTeX
@article{kolcu2026evaluation,
title = {{Evaluation of "Breaking bad news" training with simulated patients.}},
author = {Mukadder İnci Başer Kolcu and Giray Kolcu},
journal = {BMC medical education},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s12909-026-10088-y},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42968105},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Evaluation of "Breaking bad news" training with simulated patients.
AU - Mukadder İnci Başer Kolcu
AU - Giray Kolcu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/05
JO - BMC medical education
DO - 10.1186/s12909-026-10088-y
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42968105
AB - Introduction Effective communication of breaking bad news is a critical skill in medical practice that affects patient outcomes and healthcare provider well-being. The SPIKES protocol provides a systematic framework for delivering bad news to patients empathetically and effectively.Aim This study aimed to evaluate a structured training program utilizing the SPIKES approach among sixth-year students at the Süleyman Demirel University Medical School during their Emergency Medicine internship.Method A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative research design was employed, involving 42 volunteer students who conducted simulated patient interviews based on predefined bad news scenarios. Assessment was conducted using the SPIKES-Based Performance Evaluation Checklist aligned with the SPIKES principles, and student satisfaction with the training program was assessed through a post-training questionnaire.Results The results indicated strong reliability of the assessment checklist (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82) and positive correlations between the SPIKES subgroups. Students performed well in structuring interviews and understanding patient perceptions, while opportunities for improvement were identified in responding to patient requests for information and in empathetically addressing emotions.Conclusion This study underscores the importance of integrating structured bad news communication training into medical education curricula. While the study is limited by its sample size, it provides foundational insights into enhancing students' competence and confidence in delivering bad news, thereby preparing them for patient-centered care in clinical settings.
SN - 1472-6920
ER -