Can you recount a time when you had to deliver bad news to a patient or their family?
ExperienceProfessionalism
Purpose
Delivering bad news is a delicate and inevitable part of being a physician. This question checks your communication skills, empathy, and ability to handle tough situations. They want to see how you manage these conversations and your approach to patient-centered communication.
Tips
- Use the STAR-L method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Lessons Learned.
- Describe the scenario clearly and focus on your role in delivering the news.
- Highlight your empathy and communication skills, like using simple language and allowing silence.
Common mistakes
- Don't say you've never been involved in delivering bad news. Even observing counts!
- Avoid being vague or cold. Show sensitivity and understanding.
- Don't forget to reflect on what you learned from the experience.
Background
Use STAR-L to structure responses to questions about your experiences: -Situation: Briefly set the scene - where/when and what was going on? -Task: What was your specific role or challenge in that situation? -Action: What you did - focus on your steps, decisions, and contributions. -Result: Share the outcome - ideally positive or meaningful. -Lessons Learned: Reflect on what you took away and how you’ve grown.