TO published a study, the authors of which decided to evaluate how well patients understand what doctors tell them during the reception. Scientists from the University of Minnesota, together with specialists from the Center for Biostatistical Design and Analysis, conducted a survey of visitors to the local fair. The questionnaire combined open-ended and multiple-choice questions that assessed understanding of common phrases used in medicine, as well as data on age, gender and education level.
The results were amazing. 96% of survey participants were able to understand that the expression “cancer screening results are negative” is used when they want to report good news: a person no longer has cancer. But to understand the phrase “you are halfway through chemotherapy and your cancer is progressingNot everyone was able to do this: only 79% of respondents said that such a warning from a doctor does not bode well.
Only 67% of survey participants answered that “positive lymph nodes‘ is something bad. 80% of respondents were able to correctly determine that “radiograph without features‘ It is good news. However, only 22% of respondents answered that “awesome x-ray‘ is definitely bad news.
The results of the work show: Patients don’t always understand what doctors specifically want to tell them. Therefore, it is so important to clarify all incomprehensible points and not be shy to ask questions.
