Breaking the news of a diagnosis of motor neurone disease: A national survey of neurologists' perspectives

Abstract Communication of the diagnosis of MND is daunting for patients and neurologists. This study aimed to establish a knowledge base of current Australian practice of breaking the news of an MND diagnosis, to assess the neurologists ' educational and training needs, to compare the feedback...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of the neurological sciences 2016-08, Vol.367, p.368-374
Main Authors:	Aoun, Samar M, Breen, Lauren, Edis, Robert, Henderson, Rob, Oliver, David, Harris, Rod, Howting, Denise, O'Connor, Margaret, Birks, Carol
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Attitude of Health Personnel Australia Best practice protocols Breaking bad news Education Empathy Family - psychology Feedback, Psychological Female Health Communication - methods Humans Male Middle Aged MND diagnosis MND multidisciplinary clinics MND/ALS Motor Neuron Disease - diagnosis Motor Neuron Disease - psychology Neurologists - education Neurologists - psychology Neurology Patient Satisfaction Physician-Patient Relations Stress, Psychological Surveys and Questionnaires Training
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Summary:	Abstract Communication of the diagnosis of MND is daunting for patients and neurologists. This study aimed to establish a knowledge base of current Australian practice of breaking the news of an MND diagnosis, to assess the neurologists ' educational and training needs, to compare the feedback obtained from neurologists and patients to international practice guidelines. An anonymous survey of neurologists was undertaken in Australia (2014). 73 neurologists responded to this national survey (50.4% response rate). Nearly 70% of neurologists reported finding it “somewhat to very difficult” communicating the MND diagnosis, and 65% reported feeling moderate to high stress and anxiety at the delivery of diagnosis. Compared to international guidelines, areas for improvement include length of consultation, period of follow up and referral to MND associations. Two thirds of neurologists were interested in further training to respond to patient ' s emotions and development of best practice guidelines. This is the first national study to provide a comprehensive insight into the process of delivering the MND diagnosis from the neurologists ' perspective and to make comparisons with those of patients and the international guidelines. This study forms the basis for developing protocols to improve communication skills and alleviate the emotional burden associated with breaking bad news.
ISSN:	0022-510X 1878-5883