Finding ways to effectively discuss high-risk surgery with patients is an important yet challenging task for surgeons. Using a "best case/worse case" communication model could help some surgeons have more informative conversations with patients, according to a study cited by Medscape.
For the study, researchers trained 25 surgeons at a tertiary care hospital in how to use the best case/worst case communication model. Surgeons were asked to apply the model when discussing high-risk surgery with high-acuity, elderly patients.
Three months after training, 79 percent of surgeons in the study reported BC/WC is better than their usual approach for discussing high-risk surgery, and 71 percent endorsed active use of BC/WC in clinical practice.
Researchers also conducted qualitative interviews with patients and their families. Patients said they found BC/WC established surgery expectations, provided clarity and facilitated deliberation.
To read more about the study's methodology and conclusions, click here.