S5 EP: 213 Breaking Bad News

Welcome to the Croc Podcast with Dr. E and Angel Santana. In this episode, they explain the SPIKES protocol for breaking bad news and introduce Dr. E’s approach of guarded optimism — balancing honest, clear medical communication with empathy and hope. The hosts offer practical tips for clinicians on creating safe spaces, assessing patients’ understanding and emotions, and delivering news in ways that support survivors and their communities.