Qualitative Approach to Understanding Barriers to Delivering Difficult News in Sub Saharan Africa- Juniper Publishers
Journal of Surgery - JuniperPublishers Dear Editor, Communication, especially delivery of difficult news (DDN), remains a key part of clinical practice. Despite its importance, many medical providers lack the skill and ability to effectively DDN to their patients. Due to lack of data specific to sub-Saharan Africa and to help us develop an appropriate training tool for this geographical area, we sought to explore what challenges and barriers residents at our institution faced when they deliver difficult news to their patients. Methodology A qualitative approach using thematic analysis was adopted and a self-administered open ended survey was administered amongst residents currently doing their Masters in Medicine at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. The survey was emailed to all the residents within the two campuses using the REDCap software. Two independent researchers identified recurring th