# Breaking Bad News Role Play (SPIKES)

> A breaking bad news role play using the SPIKES protocol: warning shot, silence, empathy and a plan. Doctor-patient script with AI audio for training.

Canonical: https://zenmic.com/for/healthcare-training/breaking-bad-news/
Last updated: 2026-09-29

💬 SPIKES protocol

A model conversation following SPIKES: checking what the patient knows, a warning shot, space for silence, responding to emotion and agreeing next steps.

## Script (2 speakers)

Doctor: Mrs. Ortiz, thank you for coming in. Before we talk about the results, can you tell me what you understand so far? Mrs Ortiz: They found a lump. They said it was probably nothing. Doctor: That's right, that's what we hoped. <short pause> I'm afraid the biopsy results are not what we were hoping for. Mrs Ortiz: <long pause> Is it cancer? Doctor: Yes. It shows an early breast cancer. Mrs Ortiz: [shaky] I... I came here alone. I thought it was nothing. Doctor: <long pause> This is a lot to hear. Take all the time you need. Mrs Ortiz: What happens now? Doctor: The good news is we found it early. Next week you'll meet the surgical team, and I'll be with you through each step. Would you like me to call someone to be with you today?

Want your own version? The AI writes a fresh script and casts a voice for every speaker. [Make a New One Like This →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=roleplay-training&topic=A+doctor+breaks+bad+news+about+a+biopsy+result+using+the+SPIKES+protocol)

## What Makes This Work

- ✓Asks what the patient knows first
- ✓Gives a warning shot before the news
- ✓Uses silence and does not rush
- ✓Responds to emotion, then gives a clear plan

## More Examples

[📝 Clinical skills Patient History Taking Role Play A student doctor takes a history for chest pain.](https://zenmic.com/for/healthcare-training/history-taking/) [⏱️ De-escalation Angry Patient Role Play: Long Wait Times A patient has waited three hours in the emergency department.](https://zenmic.com/for/healthcare-training/angry-patient/) [💊 Patient education Explaining Medication with Teach-Back An elderly patient starts a new blood thinner.](https://zenmic.com/for/healthcare-training/medication-explanation/) [🏠 Nursing Discharge Instructions Role Play A nurse prepares a patient and her son for going home after surgery.](https://zenmic.com/for/healthcare-training/discharge-instructions/)

[← All Patient Communication Role Play Scenarios](https://zenmic.com/for/healthcare-training/)

## Make Your Own Version

Change the names, the product or the situation. The AI rewrites it and voices every speaker.

[Make One Like This →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=roleplay-training&topic=A+doctor+breaks+bad+news+about+a+biopsy+result+using+the+SPIKES+protocol)