Best-case, worst-case discussions could help patients understand surgery risks

Finding ways to effectively discuss high-risk surgery with patients is an important yet challenging task for surgeons. Using a “best case/worse case” communication model could help some surgeons have more informative conversations with patients, according to a study cited by Medscape.

Advertisement

For the study, researchers trained 25 surgeons at a tertiary care hospital in how to use the best case/worst case communication model. Surgeons were asked to apply the model when discussing high-risk surgery with high-acuity, elderly patients.

Three months after training, 79 percent of surgeons in the study reported BC/WC is better than their usual approach for discussing high-risk surgery, and 71 percent endorsed active use of BC/WC in clinical practice.

Researchers also conducted qualitative interviews with patients and their families. Patients said they found BC/WC established surgery expectations, provided clarity and facilitated deliberation.

To read more about the study’s methodology and conclusions, click here. 

More articles on patient engagement: 

6 essential strategies to improve patient engagement
5 stages of patient satisfaction and patient frustration
‘What matters to you?’ Day is Tuesday: 5 things to know about the patient engagement-focused day

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Patient Experience

Advertisement

Comments are closed.