How would you approach informing a patient about a cancer diagnosis?
ExperienceProfessionalism
Purpose
Delivering bad news is a tough but essential part of being a doctor. This question checks your communication skills, empathy, and how you handle emotional situations. They want to see if you can manage these conversations with compassion.
Tips
- Prepare for the conversation and be honest yet gentle.
- Use the STAR-L method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Lessons Learned.
- Show empathy by sitting down, using an appropriate tone, and allowing silence.
- Mention any follow-up or support you offered to the patient or family.
Common mistakes
- Don't say you've never been involved in delivering bad news. Even observing counts!
- Being blunt or cold when delivering the news.
- Not realizing that delivering bad news needs special handling.
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.