Yazeed M.Alkhawaldeh^1,, Salam M.Abufeddeh¹, Khaled Izzeldeen¹

Background. Breaking bad news (BBN) is one of the most difficult tasks faced by healthcare providers. In addition, breaking bad news is stressful for both; healthcare providers and patient. Nurses can play an important role in the process of BBN. Whereas, effective communication by critical care nurses improves patients' understanding of their health status and decreases their stress level. Furthermore, effective BBN process requires effective communication skills. Aims. To assess critical care nurses' knowledge level regarding breaking bad news process, assess their involvement in the process of BBN, andto determine the barrier of practicing breaking bad news process as perceived by critical care nurses to identify the factors that affect nurses' practice of breaking bad news in the critical care units. Methods. Descriptive cross-sectional design, using self-reported questionnaires. Results. The study showed that most critical care nurses in Jordan are highly involved in BBN process 77% (n=157), Also, nurses are highly perceived themselves as an active part in BBN process 76% (n=155). The major barrier in providing BBN was relatives requesting that a patient is not told bad news 75% (n=152). Conclusion. Current study revealed that Jordanian critical care nurses took different roles in the process of breaking bad news and they are highly involved in BBN news, creating a base of knowledge regarding BBN among critical care nurses in Jordan. Thus, the study recommends the policymakers to empower nurses role in this process through design an educational program regarding practice BBN and clarify nurses’ role in this process.

critical care, nurses, perception, barrier, breaking bad news