What resources or support services are available for patients and families after receiving bad news in a primary care setting?

Following the delivery of bad news in a primary care setting, patients and their families should be offered tailored information and support that addresses their psychological, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs. This includes providing opportunities to discuss concerns about diagnosis, treatment options, and future implications, as well as offering holistic needs assessments to identify and address these needs as soon as the patient is physically and emotionally able to participate. Support services should include access to specialist rehabilitation and palliative care when appropriate, and clear pathways linking hospital and community healthcare and social services to ensure coordinated care and support. Patients and families should be given information about who to contact if symptoms worsen and be offered opportunities for advance care planning and end-of-life care discussions. Additionally, bereavement support should be discussed and made accessible to families according to their preferences. Healthcare professionals should ensure that information is balanced, accurate, ongoing, and tailored to individual circumstances, including accessible formats and language needs. Local and national support groups, patient organisations, and specialist services should be signposted to patients and families to provide further psychological and social support.

Key resources and support services include:

• Holistic needs assessments with patients and families to identify support needs early and revisit as needed ¹.
• Access to specialist rehabilitation and palliative care services coordinated with primary care ¹.
• Clear communication and shared decision-making about diagnosis, treatment, and care options ¹,³.
• Information on how to access psychological, emotional, spiritual, and financial support ¹,³.
• Opportunities for advance care planning and end-of-life care discussions ¹.
• Provision of bereavement support and written information for families ¹.
• Signposting to local and national support groups, patient organisations, and specialist services ³.
• Ensuring information is tailored, accessible, and available when needed ³.