December 21, 2021
Study shows benefits of using numerical data to explain surgical risks to patients
A recent study conducted by a team of surgeons at the University of Washington School of Medicine investigated the benefits of presenting surgical risks to patients numerically versus using generalized terms such as “common” or “rare.” They concluded that patients are able to make more informed decisions about their health when offered numerical information.
Participants involved in the study completed a series of online surveys that outlined the risks associated with either a surgical or antibiotic treatment of appendicitis. They were either given specific percentages, ranges of percentages, or verbal descriptors (i.e., “uncommon”) to describe probabilities of certain complications. Then, they were asked to provide an estimate of the probability of the complication on a scale of 0-100% based on the description provided to them. The results showed that those given specific percentages as opposed to verbal descriptors provided a much more accurate percentage of the risks.
According to the researchers, the way patients understand the potential risks and complications associated with their procedure is of utmost importance. The use of general verbal descriptors often occurs due to physicians wanting to help patients feel less overwhelmed by numbers and a lack of numerical data available in the moment of conversation. The researchers plan to use the findings of this study to encourage more widespread use of numerical data between doctors and patients and are working to innovate various tool and aids that might improve this form of communication with patients in the future.