08.17.07

The Forgetful Patient

Posted in Uncategorized at 5:08 pm by admin

A survey conducted in January 2007 concludes that of over 300 adults surveyed after their cosmetic procedure less than half remember the complications that their physicians warned them of.  For example, 42% remembered that the physician mentioned nausea and vomitting as a possible complication, 48% remembered bleeding as a possible complication, etc. 

The survey also found that 30% were uncomfortable asking the physician questions before surgery.

73% felt the doctor completely addressed the potential side effects and complications before surgery.

These numbers suggest that in an effort to perform safe surgery on informed patients there is significant benefit to providing additional written material about details of the planned surgical procedure.  A patient may quickly forget things that you mention.  A patient may also be refer to materials at home and find the confidence to ask the physician questions they would otherwise ignore.

Simple steps can improve the physician-patient relationship and pave the way for a better understanding of the procedures and risks.

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