Telephone Breaking Bad News — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Pause, arrange privacy at home and reconnect with her chosen support present
Before difficult news is given by telephone, the clinician must establish that the recipient can talk safely and privately. Continuing while the patient is driving creates immediate risk and provides a poor setting for emotional processing. The call should be paused, a definite reconnection plan made, support offered, then understanding and immediate needs checked with follow-up arranged.
Reference: NHS Education for Scotland: Breaking bad news by phone: https://www.sad.scot.nhs.uk/support-around-death-news/2019/may/breaking-bad-news-by-phone/