What is the SPIKES steps acronym and its purpose?

What is the SPIKES steps acronym and its purpose?

• A. A schedule and protocol for admissions.
• B. S: Setting up, P: Perception, I: Invitation, K: Knowledge, E: Empathy, S: Strategy and Summary; to deliver bad news compassionately.
• C. A method for documenting charts.
• D. A framework for triage decisions.

Answer: (B)

SPIKES is a structured communication framework used in clinical practice to deliver bad news with compassion and clarity. It guides the clinician through six steps: Setting up the conversation in a private, respectful environment; assessing the patient’s Perception of their situation; obtaining the patient’s Invitation to know how much detail they want; delivering Knowledge and information in clear, non-technical language at an appropriate pace; responding to Emotions with empathetic acknowledgment and support; and outlining a clear Strategy and Summary for next steps and follow-up. The purpose is to help patients understand their condition, feel heard, and participate in decisions, while reducing distress and improving trust. It’s not about admissions scheduling, chart documentation, or triage.

SPIKES is a structured communication framework used in clinical practice to deliver bad news with compassion and clarity. It guides the clinician through six steps: Setting up the conversation in a private, respectful environment; assessing the patient’s Perception of their situation; obtaining the patient’s Invitation to know how much detail they want; delivering Knowledge and information in clear, non-technical language at an appropriate pace; responding to Emotions with empathetic acknowledgment and support; and outlining a clear Strategy and Summary for next steps and follow-up. The purpose is to help patients understand their condition, feel heard, and participate in decisions, while reducing distress and improving trust. It’s not about admissions scheduling, chart documentation, or triage.