A randomized trial of two methods to disclose prognosis to surrogate decision makers in intensive care units.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Surrogate decision makers and clinicians often have discordant perceptions about a patient's prognosis. There is a paucity of empirical data to guide communication about prognosis.

Objectives

To assess: (1) whether numeric or qualitative statements more reliably convey prognostic estimates; and (2) whether surrogates believe physicians' prognostic estimates.

Methods

A total of 169 surrogate decision makers for intensive care unit patients were randomized to view 1 of 2 versions of a video portraying a simulated family conference involving a hypothetical patient. The videos varied only by whether prognosis was conveyed in numeric terms ("10% chance of surviving") or qualitative terms ("very unlikely" to survive).

Measurements and main results

We assess

SUBMITTER: Lee Char SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2970862 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature