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Risk communication in the clinical consultation
Richard Thomson1, Adrian Edwards, Jenny Grey
1National Patient Safety Agency, London. richard.thomson@npsa.nhs.uk
Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|November 5, 2005
Summary
Effective risk communication in healthcare empowers patients for shared decision-making. This guide helps clinicians improve how they discuss risks, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Communication
- Patient Engagement
- Clinical Decision-Making
Background:
- Modern healthcare trends emphasize patient involvement in treatment choices.
- Shift from paternalistic models to shared decision-making is evident in health policy.
- Effective risk communication is crucial for informed patient decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To offer a practical guide for clinicians on improving risk communication.
- To support enhanced patient understanding and engagement in healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence-based strategies for risk communication.
- Synthesis of best practices for clinical consultations.
Main Results:
- Risk communication in clinical settings is complex but improvable.
- Improved communication benefits both patient understanding and clinician practice.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians can enhance patient decision-making through better risk communication.
- Accessible guidance is needed to support this crucial aspect of care.