EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING WORKSHOP ON THE ATTITUDE OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TOWARDS BREAKING BAD NEWS TO CANCER PATIENTS: A MULTI- INSTITUTIONAL STUDY
2 College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria/Department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
3 Department of Radiology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
4 Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Nigeria
5 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Ibadan/University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
6 Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
7 Department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
8 Department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
9 Department of Community Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
10 National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), 43 Agadez Crescent, Wuse II, 900288, FCT-Abuja, Nigeria
11 National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), 43 Agadez Crescent, Wuse II, 900288, FCT-Abuja, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: sammy4ng@yahoo.com
Abstract
Background: Breaking bad news (BBN) is a critical aspect of oncology care. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers (HCPs) in Nigeria lack formal training in this skill.
Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a training workshop on HCPs’ attitudes towards BBN to cancer patients across multiple institutions in Nigeria.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted across six federal hospitals in Nigeria, representing the country’s six geopolitical zones. A total of 632 HCPs (doctors, nurses, and other professionals) were trained over 3 days on BBN, using didactic lectures, role play, group discussions, and interactive sessions. The SPIKES model and other communication strategies were emphasized. Attitudes towards BBN were assessed before and after training via an 8-item Likert scale. The data were analysed via SPSS v25, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: A total of 590 participants completed the pre-test, and 528 completed the post-test. Before training, 60.8% of the participants had never received formal BBN training, although 68.5% frequently engaged in BBN. Post training, there was a statistically significant improvement in confidence, understanding of communication models, and ability to handle patients’ emotional reactions (p<0.0001). The attitude scores improved across all geopolitical zones and professional categories.
Conclusion: A structured BBN training workshop significantly improved healthcare providers’ attitudes toward delivering bad news to cancer patients. The incorporation of such training into medical curricula and continuing professional education can enhance patient-provider communication and emotional support in oncology settings.
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