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Disclosing the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
P G Papathanasopoulos1, A Nikolakopoulou, N J Scolding
1Department of Neurology, Medical School of Patras, 1045 Rion, Patras, Greece. pat@med.upatras.gr
Journal of Neurology
|October 27, 2005
Summary
Most multiple sclerosis (MS) patients prefer immediate diagnosis disclosure. While 91% desired prompt information, nearly 1 in 10 may prefer delayed delivery, highlighting personalized patient communication needs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Patient Communication
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- The timing of disclosing serious neurological diagnoses, like multiple sclerosis (MS), is understudied.
- MS is incurable, unpredictable, and often affects young adults, making disclosure timing critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine Greek MS patients' preferences for the timing of diagnosis disclosure.
- To explore patient reactions and attitudes towards receiving their MS diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 1,200 Greek patients who are members of the MS Society.
- Data collected focused on patient experiences and attitudes regarding diagnosis disclosure.
Main Results:
- 91% of respondents preferred immediate diagnosis disclosure, but only 44% experienced this.
- A significant minority (9%) indicated a preference for delayed diagnosis delivery.
- 23.2% believed concealing the diagnosis would not erode patient-physician trust.
Conclusions:
- Prompt disclosure of diagnosis is the preferred approach for the majority of MS patients.
- Healthcare providers must balance the general preference for immediate disclosure with individual patient needs.
- Recognizing patient variability in preferred disclosure timing is essential for effective communication.