Step 1: S - SETTING UP the interview

1. Mental rehearsal
2. Arrange for some privacy, involve significant others, sit down, make connection with the patient
3. Manage time constraints and interruptions

Step 2: P - Assessing the Patient’s PERCPEPTION

1. "Before you tell, ask" - use open-ended questions
2. "What have you been told about your situation so far?"

Step 3: I - Obtaining the Patient’s INVITATION

1. "How would you like me to give the information about the test results?"

Step 4: K - Giving KNOWLEDGE and Information to the Patient

1. Warn the patient bad news is coming
2. Start at the patient’s level of vocabulary, avoid excessive bluntness, give information in small chunks and check understanding

Step 5: E - Addressing the Patient’s EMOTIONS with EMPATHY

1. Observe the emotion and identify it by name
2. Identify the reason for the emotion and let the patient know you see the connection, "I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear"
3. Clear the emotion before moving on to more information

Step 6: S - STRATEGY and SUMMARY

1. Explore the patient’s understanding
2. Understand patient’s specific goals