Breaking the News

Abstract

Resident and continuing education programs need to prepare physicians who can sensitively and effectively "break the news" to diverse families who have children with chronic conditions. At the time of diagnosis, clinicians need to PACE the news by (1) planning the setting, (2) assessing the family's background knowledge and experience, (3) choosing strategies that best fit the family's particular situation, and (4) evaluating the family's understanding of the information.