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Related Experiment Videos

Patients' interpretation of qualitative probability statements

K K Woloshin1, M T Ruffin, D W Gorenflo

  • 1Department of Family Practice, MidMichigan Regional Medical Center, Midland.

Archives of Family Medicine
|November 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Patients interpret qualitative probability statements differently based on experience, with higher rates assigned to minor complications. Physicians should tailor communication about risks, especially for major versus minor side effects.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Communication
  • Health Literacy
  • Patient Interpretation of Risk

Background:

  • Physicians frequently use qualitative probability statements for treatment comparisons and risk communication.
  • Exact numerical data is not always available for these qualitative statements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess how context, patient experience, and demographics influence numerical interpretation of probability terms.
  • To understand patient preferences for qualitative versus numerical information on side effects.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university-based family practice.
  • 307 patients completed questionnaires assessing interpretation of "unlikely" risks for medical complications.
  • Participants indicated preferences for receiving side effect information in words or numbers.

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Main Results:

  • Patients assigned significantly higher rates to minor complications than major ones.
  • Prior experience with a complication led to higher assigned rates for minor vaccination and surgery complications.
  • Education and occupation showed significant effects on the interpretation of specific complication risks.

Conclusions:

  • Physician use of qualitative probability statements requires sensitivity to patient's prior experiences.
  • Distinct qualitative terms are necessary to convey similar occurrence rates for major and minor side effects.