Liana Fraenkel1, Ellen Peters. 1. Section of Rheumatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. liana.fraenkel@yale.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physicians must frequently inform their patients of the risks of rare, but serious, adverse events (AEs). OBJECTIVE: To examine how patients react to the disclosure of rare AEs. METHODS: Outpatients viewed a video of a physician describing a medication associated with a rare AE. Subjects then rated their worry, perceived chance of developing the AE, and willingness to take the medication. RESULTS: Non-White men were more likely to perceive a greater chance of developing the AE compared to White men [Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 3.37 (1.09-10.45)]; White women were more likely to be worried [2.00 (0.95-4.24)] and to perceive a greater chance of developing the [6.22 (2.50-15.50)], perceive a greater chance of developing the AE [6.27 (2.43-16.15)], and be less willing to take the medication [0.23 (0.09-0.59)], compared to White men. CONCLUSIONS: Gender and ethnicity influence how patients react to disclosure of rare, but serious, AEs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: An improved understanding of patients' risk perceptions is required to inform the development of best practices to improve risk communication. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
BACKGROUND: Physicians must frequently inform their patients of the risks of rare, but serious, adverse events (AEs). OBJECTIVE: To examine how patients react to the disclosure of rare AEs. METHODS: Outpatients viewed a video of a physician describing a medication associated with a rare AE. Subjects then rated their worry, perceived chance of developing the AE, and willingness to take the medication. RESULTS:Non-Whitemen were more likely to perceive a greater chance of developing the AE compared to White men [Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 3.37 (1.09-10.45)]; White women were more likely to be worried [2.00 (0.95-4.24)] and to perceive a greater chance of developing the [6.22 (2.50-15.50)], perceive a greater chance of developing the AE [6.27 (2.43-16.15)], and be less willing to take the medication [0.23 (0.09-0.59)], compared to White men. CONCLUSIONS: Gender and ethnicity influence how patients react to disclosure of rare, but serious, AEs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: An improved understanding of patients' risk perceptions is required to inform the development of best practices to improve risk communication. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.