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. 2019 Sep 19;32(1):19–25. doi: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_59_19

Appendix 1.

Gagne’s lesson plan template [22]

Session title: How to break bad news using SPIKES protocol Student/trainee level: Residents, medical students

Level number Level Activity
1 Gaining attention Asking learners about their prior experience in witnessing BBN
Providing a bad example of BBN
2 Informing learner of objectives Collect relevant information from the patient
Deliver bad news based on SPIKES protocol
Express empathy towards patient’s reaction via verbal and nonverbal response
3 Stimulate recall of prior learning Discuss definition of bad news and barriers to BBN
Comment on the case on elements of BBN based on presession reading on Buckman’s model
4 Presenting stimulus The six steps on Buckman’s model for BBN would be presented with examples given
 Getting started
 What does the patient know?
 How much does the patient want to know?
 Sharing the information
 Responding to patient and family feelings
 Planning and follow-up
5 Providing learning guidance Introduce SPIKES protocol for easier memorization
Refer back to prior case scenario and discuss using SPIKES protocol
6 Eliciting performance Learner generated case or a prepared case would be used for role play
Participation would be encouraged by volunteering
Preparation for strategies in case of reluctance to role play
7 Providing feedback Participants provide reflection and self-evaluation first
Observers and facilitator also give feedback
Review learning objectives
8 Assessment of performance Assess learners by SPs, role play under simulation
Supervisors assess learners in the clinical setting
9 Enhancing retention and transfer Meet regularly for reflection of clinical encounter of witness of BBN
Review SPIKES protocol

BBN: Breaking bad news, SPs: Standardized patients