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Truth-telling and patient diagnoses.

R J Sullivan¹, L W Menapace, R M White

¹Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York, USA.

Journal of Medical Ethics

|June 22, 2001

Summary

Physicians and nurses often underestimate how much detailed health information patients desire. Patients, particularly those younger, educated, and with higher incomes, want to be informed and involved in their diagnosis and treatment decisions.

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Area of Science:

Medical Communication
Patient-Centered Care
Health Literacy

Background:

Understanding patient preferences for medical information is crucial for effective healthcare.
Physician and nurse perspectives on information disclosure may not align with patient desires.
Previous research highlights a gap in how medical information is communicated.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate how physicians communicate diagnoses to patients.
To determine the extent of detailed information patients desire regarding their health conditions.
To explore registered nurses' views on patient information needs and physician communication.

Main Methods:

Utilized three questionnaires administered to physicians and registered nurses.
Study conducted in a mid-size hospital setting in New York state.
Data collected on perceptions of patient information desires and communication practices.

Main Results:

Physicians and nurses generally underestimate patient desire for detailed diagnostic and treatment information.
Patients under 60, with higher education and income, are more likely to want comprehensive information.
Only 42% of physicians acknowledged patients' desire for detailed information; international medical graduates showed more willingness to adapt communication.

Conclusions:

Healthcare providers should align information disclosure with patient preferences for detailed medical information.
Involving patients in shared decision-making regarding diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Further dialogue and training may be needed to bridge the gap in physician-patient communication.

Keywords:

Empirical Approach Professional Patient Relationship

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