A failure to communicate: patients with cerebral aneurysms and vascular neurosurgeons.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess communication between vascular neurosurgeons and their patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms about treatment options and expected outcomes.

Methods

Vascular neurosurgeons and their patients with cerebral aneurysms were surveyed immediately following outpatient appointments in a neurosurgery clinic. Data collected included how well the patient understood their aneurysm treatment options, the risks of a poor outcome from various treatments, and the consensus "best" treatment. Patient and neurosurgeon responses were measured using Likert scales, multiple choice questions, and visual analogue scales. Agreement between patient and neurosurgeon was assessed with kappa scores. The Wilcoxon sign rank test was used to compare visual analogue scale responses.

SUBMITTER: King JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1739590 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature