Evaluating Physicians’ Experiences and Compliance with the SPIKES Protocol for Communicating Adverse News: A Cross-sectional Study Conducted in Muscat, Oman

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of physicians in delivering bad news and their adherence to the SPIKES protocol within the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Muscat, Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024 at primary healthcare centers in Muscat. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire completed by physicians at these centers. Results: A total of 140 physicians completed the questionnaire (response rate = 100%). The vast majority of participants (n = 133, 95.0%) recognized the importance of training in breaking bad news and expressed a willingness to attend future training sessions. Nearly half of the participants (n = 67, 47.9%) reported negative experiences due to improper delivery of bad news. Overall, adherence to the SPIKES protocol was categorized as low (n = 2, 1.4%), medium (n = 25, 17.9%), and high (n = 113, 80.7%). No significant associations were found between adherence levels and any sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. Conclusions: Physicians in primary care face challenges in delivering bad news, which are influenced by cultural factors, training, and adherence to protocol. These challenges can be mitigated through regular, targeted training programs, beginning at the undergraduate level and continuing throughout a physicians’ careers.