Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your knowledge of tools commonly used for breaking bad news to patients and families

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To read about the challenges of breaking bad news to patients and families in major trauma care

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To reflect on your own experiences of breaking bad news to patients and families

Breaking bad news is a challenging yet essential part of the role of healthcare professionals who care for major trauma patients and their families. This service evaluation investigated healthcare professionals’ attitudes and experiences regarding breaking bad news in the context of major trauma. Healthcare professionals were recruited from the South Wales Trauma Network and their views collected via an online survey based on the Breaking Bad News Attitudes Scale. The survey was completed by 149 healthcare professionals and the responses demonstrated a range of experiences of breaking bad news in major trauma care, with challenges such as the environment, building rapport and setting expectations.