Volume 11, Issue 2 (1-2026)
SJNMP 2026, 11(2): 1-20 |
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lotfi E, Nouri B, Fathi M. Nurses’ Skills in Breaking Bad News and Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study. SJNMP 2026; 11 (2) :1-20
URL: http://sjnmp.muk.ac.ir/article-1-709-en.html
URL: http://sjnmp.muk.ac.ir/article-1-709-en.html
1- Clinical Research Center, Health Development Research Institute, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran , asrinlotfi25@gmail.com
2- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
3- School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Sanandaj, Iran
2- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
3- School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Sanandaj, Iran
Abstract: (9 Views)
Background & Aim: Delivering bad news is a challenging healthcare task, particularly for nurses who are primary points of contact for patients and families. Despite its importance, structured training and standardised guidelines for nurses remain limited. This study assessed nurses’ skills in delivering bad news and related factors in teaching hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. A total of 150 nurses with at least one year of experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher were selected using multistage sampling, including stratified and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, types of bad news, involvement in delivery, and delivery skills. Validity was confirmed by experts, and reliability was supported by a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.71. Data were analysed using STATA version 12, Spearman’s correlation, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests (P<0.05).
Results: The most common bad news was announcing a resuscitation code (76.67%). The mean participation score was 17.68±5.85, and the mean delivery-skill score was 54.30±5.10. Delivery skills were significantly associated with work shift (P=0.026), familiarity with bad-news disclosure guidelines (P=0.040), clinical department (P=0.009), number of bad-news events delivered (P=0.012), and type of bad news (P=0.014). The association with organisational position was borderline (P=0.055).
Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated moderate skills in delivering bad news. Structured educational programmes and communication workshops are recommended to improve competence and the quality of patient and family care.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. A total of 150 nurses with at least one year of experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher were selected using multistage sampling, including stratified and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, types of bad news, involvement in delivery, and delivery skills. Validity was confirmed by experts, and reliability was supported by a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.71. Data were analysed using STATA version 12, Spearman’s correlation, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests (P<0.05).
Results: The most common bad news was announcing a resuscitation code (76.67%). The mean participation score was 17.68±5.85, and the mean delivery-skill score was 54.30±5.10. Delivery skills were significantly associated with work shift (P=0.026), familiarity with bad-news disclosure guidelines (P=0.040), clinical department (P=0.009), number of bad-news events delivered (P=0.012), and type of bad news (P=0.014). The association with organisational position was borderline (P=0.055).
Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated moderate skills in delivering bad news. Structured educational programmes and communication workshops are recommended to improve competence and the quality of patient and family care.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/08/31 | Revised: 2026/09/4 | Accepted: 2026/09/1 | Published: 2026/01/10 | ePublished: 2026/01/10
Received: 2026/08/31 | Revised: 2026/09/4 | Accepted: 2026/09/1 | Published: 2026/01/10 | ePublished: 2026/01/10
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