Knowledge Gaps in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Diagnostic Procedures

Background:

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard for assessing thyroid nodule malignancy risk.
• Patient comprehension of FNAB indications and outcomes is crucial for informed decision-making and adherence to follow-up care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient knowledge of thyroid FNAB procedures and potential outcomes.
• To identify correlations between patient knowledge and sociodemographic/clinical factors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 423 patients reviewing their first thyroid FNAB results.
• Knowledge assessment via a 6-item questionnaire covering indications, outcomes, and repeat biopsy likelihood.
• Data collection included demographics, clinical history, and nodule sonography.

Main Results:

• While awareness of benign/malignant results was high, understanding of non-diagnostic (20.4%) and indeterminate (16.6%) outcomes was low.
• Only 34.1% understood the need for repeat biopsies.
• Younger patients (<65), those with higher education, and patients with prior non-thyroidal malignancy history showed greater knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Significant knowledge deficits exist regarding thyroid FNAB outcomes among patients.
• Educational interventions are essential to enhance patient understanding and potentially improve clinical management of thyroid nodules.