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Michael's avatar

I hate politics in public health matters but if we're to be honest, it is the Fox News information ecosystem that's been the source of probably 90% of the bad info out there. Get rid of that info ecosystem and things clear up. But they are too powerful to wish away unfortunately! Tie them up in unending litigation says I.

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Gardening in Wisconsin's avatar

A necessary part of achieving this goal is to learn how to effectively communicate risk.

When I am talking to patients about serious diseases and treatments with a reasonable probability of harm, I try and find language that is intelligible to them. Using percentages with four significant digits is not helpful.

Depending on the particulars of the case helpful phrases include the following:

- “Unfortunately you do not have any completely safe options“

- “A few people will be harmed by this therapy but most people will live longer with it”

- “We are all working together to help you live as long and as comfortably as possible“

- “The treatment we are discussing has quite a bit of burden and most patients your age and with this disese complete their lives within 6 months even with the treatment so we also want to discuss the option of focusing on comfort care and hospice."

- "What are your goals?"

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