28 Dec Patients Who Understand Their Medical Condition Less Likely To Opt For Aggressive Care
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo
Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research
Los Angeles, California
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Four million stable patients in the US undergo testing for suspected ischemic heart disease (IHD) annually. There is substantial variation in how these patients are managed by physicians, and both clinical and economic factors have been used to explain this variation. However, it is unknown whether patients’ beliefs and preferences influence management decisions, and we aimed to answer this question. Based on interviews of 351 stable patients at Geisinger Health System newly referred for cardiac stress testing/coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for suspected IHD, we found that patients with an accurate understanding of their initial test result were less likely to undergo follow-up tests/procedures if the initial test was negative and more likely to undergo follow-up tests/procedures if the initial test was positive.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: A patient’s understanding of their test results may influence how likely he or she is to undergo additional invasive and noninvasive tests and procedures. Therefore, if we can improve a patient’s understanding of his or her test result, we may be able to enhance appropriateness of care.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Prior research has shown that, in many clinical scenarios, the more patients know and understand about their medical condition and treatment choices, the less likely they are to opt for the most aggressive and intensive care. Randomized trials of patient education tools for individuals undergoing testing for ischemic heart disease could enhance appropriate care and reduce intensive follow-up tests and follow-up among some patients.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Association of Patient Beliefs and Preferences With Subsequent Testing After Initial Evaluation for Ischemic Heart Disease
Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, , John M. Pfeifer, MD,Alana A. Choy-Shan, MD, James M. Pitcavage, MSPH, Brent A. Williams, PhD
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmg.2016.09.015
JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging
Available online 21 December 2016
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
More Medical Research Interviews on MedicalResearch.com
[wysija_form id=”5″]
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:, & Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD (2016). Patients Who Understand Their Medical Condition Less Likely To Opt For Aggressive Care MedicalResearch.com
Last Updated on December 28, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD