Simulation-based Training Improves Medical Student Competency in Communicating Bad News to Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Delivering bad news is a task that doctors encounter daily in most medical practices, especially in Intensive Care Unit, where morbidity and mortality are high. The term "bad news" refers to any information transmitted to patients or their families that directly or indirectly involves a negative change in their lives or view of their future. Existing reports show that practicing doctors and residents lack confidence and skill in performing this task, and most have never received any formal training. Breaking bad news is a complex task requiring many skills including communication, responding to emotional reactions, and involving the family members.

The objective of this project was to demonstrate effectiveness of an educational program using simulation-based training intervention to teach medical students to deliver bad news and communicate more effectively with families. We hypothesize that simulation-based training intervention will improve medical student competency in communicating bad news to patients.