Good article.
In Australia, as a general rule, the patient has the right to know about his or her condition, whether
that is benign or serious, malignant and I believe this situation has been going on for a while. Doctors here are prepared for breaking bad news. Australian medical students are taught also how to break bad news.
Overseas doctors, sitting for the AMC examinations, know that mastering this topic is an absolute must.
Knowing how to break bad news brings up, beyond any reasonable doubt, invaluable benefits to the patient and relatives.
