Aim. A study to investigate the experiences of fathers of children wit
h disabilities generated comments about hospital-based services receiv
ed around the time of diagnosis, Methods. Fifteen fathers were intervi
ewed in-depth using an inductive qualitative methodology. Interview tr
anscripts were subjected to computer-assisted analysis in order to ide
ntify patterns, themes and categories. Results. Analysis of the data p
roduced a dimension identified and labelled by the authors as negative
service evaluation. The components of this dimension were related to
poor interpersonal skills by medical staff while breaking bad news, an
d different expectations of physicians and fathers over the practical
implications of diagnosis. Conclusions. These results support previous
findings and indicate that physicians must take more responsibility f
or breaking bad news in a way that parents find acceptable.