A recent study underscores a growing concern among patients globally: the incomprehensibility of medical reports. According to researchers, medical reports are often written without considering patient understanding, leading to heightened anxiety and confusion.
Cathryn Lapedis from the Department of Pathology at University of Michigan Health explains that standard pathology reports are primarily crafted for clinical specialists, such as surgeons or oncologists, making them difficult for patients to decipher.
Published in the journal JAMA, the study led by Lapedis and her colleagues evaluated whether people could comprehend standard pathology reports and if a patient-centered report could enhance understanding. A patient-centered pathology report simplifies important diagnostic information, minimizing medical jargon. For instance, while a standard report might use the term “prostatic adenocarcinoma,” a patient-centered report would simply state “prostate cancer.”
The study involved 2,238 adults aged 55 to 84, all with prostates but no history of prostate cancer. Participants were given a hypothetical scenario involving a biopsy following troubling urinary symptoms, and subsequently received test results via their patient portal. They were then asked to report their level of worry based on these results.
The findings revealed a stark contrast in comprehension. Only 39 percent of participants reviewing the standard report accurately identified a cancer diagnosis. In contrast, 93 percent of those who received the patient-centered report correctly understood their diagnosis. Moreover, the level of worry among participants was more closely aligned with their actual risk level when they received the patient-centered report.
The study’s authors advocate for the inclusion of patient-centered pathology reports alongside standard reports to improve patient understanding and alleviate unnecessary anxiety. By prioritizing clarity and minimizing complex medical terminology, healthcare systems can significantly enhance patient experience and communication.
