Using the EPICOT format to develop future research directions
E ‐ Evidence	We did not find any randomised controlled trials (RCT) that assessed different methods of breaking the news in ALS/MND. Only post hoc surveys on patient and caregiver satisfaction with the communication of the diagnosis were available. Qualitative research into the interactive processes of communication should be conducted, given the importance assigned to the tailoring of information in breaking the news of an ALS/MND diagnosis.
P ‐ Population	People with ALS/MND
I ‐ Intervention	Further investigation is needed in developing and testing specific methods for informing people with ALS/MND of their diagnosis. Studies in other diseases might be of help in identifying specific skills and strategies.
C ‐ Comparison	If compatible with ethical concerns and standards, comparisons of different combinations of face‐to‐face communication, family member involvement, contextual factors, and delivery of written materials might be performed. Given the particular features of ALS/MND onset and diagnosis, the timing of when information is given should also be studied.
O ‐ Outcome	Different levels of outcome measures might be considered, e.g. surveys and standardised evaluations of patient and caregiver satisfaction with how the diagnosis is communicated, evaluations of coping strategies, quality of life, and psychological well‐being
T – Time stamp	February 2022