Effective communication between physicians and patients or their families is crucial, especially when discussing critical care plans. A clear presentation of potential risks and benefits helps patients make informed decisions, yet this aspect of communication often remains overlooked. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine examined physicians’ perceptions of the harms and benefits associated with common medical interventions. The survey, which included 10 questions, revealed a consistent trend of overestimation.
For instance, physicians overestimated the effectiveness of warfarin in preventing stroke among atrial fibrillation patients, alendronate in preventing fractures in osteoporosis, and proton pump inhibitors in managing peptic ulcer bleeding. Overall, physicians overestimated benefits 79% of the time and risks 66% of the time. This discrepancy was largely attributed to an…
