Table 3.
Useful digital resources for breaking bad news training.
| Digital learning resource | Developers | Resource type | Version | Weblink | Date referred/found |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VitalTalk: COVID Ready Communication Playbook | VitalTalk, USA | Website | 2020 | https://www.vitaltalk.org/guides/covid-19-communication-skills/ | Specific to difficult conversations related to COVID-19, which cover topics such as resourcing and rationing, notifying relatives of the death of a patient, and setting goals for care. |
| VitalTips | VitalTalk, USA | Mobile app | v2.0.2 | https://www.vitaltalk.org/resources/ | Uses interactive flash cards with an emphasis on acronyms and evidence-based practice. Latest version contains guidance on difficult conversations related to COVID-19. |
| e-Learning for Health (e-LfH) | Health Education England | Website (e-learning) | 2020 | https://www.e-lfh.org.uk | Numerous online learning modules related to communication skills training, including challenges posed by COVID-19. |
| End of Life Care for All (e-ELCA) | Health Education England | Website (e-learning) | 2020 | https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/end-of-life-care-for-all-public-access/ | Numerous online learning modules focusing on end-of-life care. |
| ReSPECT Learning | Tom Stables & ReSPECT Education Task and Finish Group, UK Hosted by Resuscitation Council UK |
Website and web app | 2020 | https://www.resus.org.uk/respect/learning/ | Specifically created for the implementation of the ReSPECT Process, but has a section titled ‘Having a conversation about ReSPECT’ which includes tips on having difficult conversations on care planning. Website links to the RC(UK) COVID-19 guidance. |
| Doctors Talk | E4CH (Effective Communication for Healthcare), Noel Chidwick, UK | Mobile app | v1.0.15 | https://www.ec4h.org.uk/doctors-talk/ | Targeted at medical students and Foundation doctors. |
| Health Communication | Elaine Wittenberg, USA | Mobile app | 2016 | https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/health-communication/id697289957?mt=8 | Focused on palliative care and oncology, defining the common terms and medications used, and presents a communication toolkit with multiple scenarios and examples for practice. |
| SPICT-App (SPICT) | The New Curiosity Shop & University of Edinburgh, UK | Mobile app | v1.8 | https://www.spict.org.uk/spictapp/ | Contains a section titled ‘Talking with patients and families’ and offers example phrases and refers to policy and guidance documents. |
Abbreviations: COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019.