ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING BREAKING BAD NEWS AMONG NURSES IN A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Background: Breaking bad news (BBN) is an emotionally charged and ethically significant task that healthcare providers frequently encounter. The quality of this communication can profoundly influence the therapeutic alliance, patient satisfaction, and coping mechanisms. Nurses often play a central role in this process, yet in many healthcare settings, their training in structured communication models remains limited. Given the emotional weight of such conversations, it is essential to assess nurses’ readiness and identify educational gaps to improve patient-centered care. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, experience, and preparedness of postgraduate nurses regarding breaking bad news in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2021 at College of Nursing, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, targeting registered postgraduate nurses at Jinnah Hospital. A total of 179 nurses were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a pre-validated, structured questionnaire incorporating elements of the SPIKES model (Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, Summarizing). Responses were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and percentage scores were used to quantify knowledge, attitude, and training needs. Results: Among 179 respondents, 97.8% were female and the mean age was 23 ± 2.55 years. While 54 nurses (29.3%) reported feeling comfortable in breaking bad news, 130 (65%) expressed a strong desire for formal training. Only 41 (22.3%) followed any recognized guideline, and 110 (59.8%) had not received prior training. Knowledge of structured protocols like SPIKES and BREAKS was limited, with only 82 (45.1%) and 69 (37.0%) respondents respectively identifying them correctly. Overall awareness levels were statistically insignificant across demographic variables (p>0.05). Conclusion: Most nurses demonstrated limited confidence and insufficient knowledge regarding structured BBN communication. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to enhance their competence in this critical skill.