Communicating Risk: A Review of Methods
Author Information
Author(s): R. Andrew Moore, Sheena Derry, Henry J. McQuay, John Paling
Primary Institution: University of Oxford
Hypothesis
How can we effectively communicate serious but rare risks associated with NSAIDs and coxibs?
Conclusion
Contextualized risk information can be provided for some adverse events, but many potential serious risks remain unaddressed.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients often want information on all adverse events, even rare ones.
- People tend to overestimate rare risks and underestimate common risks.
- Different methods of presenting risk can significantly affect patient understanding and decision-making.
Takeaway
People often misunderstand risks, thinking rare events are more likely than they are, and we need better ways to explain these risks to help them make informed choices.
Methodology
The study reviewed observational studies and meta-analyses regarding NSAID and coxib use and their associated risks.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in how risks are perceived and presented were noted, including emotional responses overshadowing factual information.
Limitations
The literature on risk communication is limited, and many serious adverse events were not included in the analysis.
Participant Demographics
The study involved a diverse group of patients, including those with rheumatological conditions and general public participants.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website