Need for Better Doctor-Patient Communication

Doctor-patient communication that leads to medical decision-making needs improvement, according to four studies and a commentary published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Patient surveys found physicians did not always discuss risks and benefits of treatments or screenings, patient prognosis, or eligibility for transplants. Data showed some patients wanted information and control over their treatment decisions while others still preferred to have their physician make the decisions. JAMA Internal Medicine, May 2013