Bad news communication is a frequent and difficult task for health care professionals. There are valuable protocols that systematize this task through a series of steps. However, these protocols have important limitations. The objective of this work is to analyze the main shortcomings of the protocols for CMN, according to the available ethical and clinical evidence. An orientation by objectives is recommended, considering that communication of bad news is a contextual process that involves different actors, and that requires reflection and flexibility to determine the best course of action according to the circumstances of each particular case. The importance of affectionate attention for patients and their relatives is highlighted. © 2022 Sociedad Medica de Santiago. All rights reserved.