Breaking bad news about cancer in China: Concerns and conflicts faced by doctors deciding whether to inform patients.

摘要: Abstract Objectives We aimed to explore how doctors in China decide whether inform cancer patients about diagnosis and prognosis. Methods conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 24 residents from a leading hospital Hunan, China. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Results Doctors routinely told the family first, then withheld information if did not want tell patient. Three main themes emerged relation hiding bad news patients: 1) fear that most lack resilience cope news; 2) of direct or legal conflict family, 3) value between respecting patient’s “right know” family’s interest protecting Conclusions consider decisions withhold be non-ideal but necessary compromise know.” Culturally adjusted training guidelines could help including patient disclosure while still China’s cultural decision-making. Practice Implications Future should mediate interests understand changing laws regulations. Other important elements include reflection, senior mentorship, self-awareness, building trust.