Breaking Bad News Workshop as Peer-Assisted Learning Project in Primary Care Clerkship

Breaking bad news is a crucial communication delivered by healthcare professionals. This skill was taught in Management and Science University, Malaysia using lecture previously. Realising the instructional delivery gap, breaking bad news workshops was introduced involving not only the theory of the skills but the hands on experience as well. This workshop incorporated peer-assisted learning method in providing a friendly and conducive environment for the best learning experience for the students. Five workshops were conducted with a total of 204 students. Students (n = 38–42 per session) were given materials a week prior to the session to familiarise themselves with the workshop. Trained peer-assisted tutors (n = 8) guided role-playing sessions as well as giving feedbacks. Students found that the workshop to be useful adjunct to learning communication skills, specifically in breaking bad news. Students considered peer-assisted learning method provided them with a safe environment where mistakes were allowed, corrected and proper skills reiterated. In conclusion, learning breaking bad news is feasible with peer-assistance.