Learning and teaching about risk communication

摘要

Risk communication is a fundamental skill in the consultation between health professionals and patients. Such communication is part of the process leading to shared decision-making and involves the clinician discussing advantages and disadvantages of treatment, while specific numerical data about potential outcomes may be given. Risk communication is the open two-way exchange of information and opinion about risk, which should lead to better understanding and better decisions about clinical management. This exchange of information and opinion is important if treatment decisions are to reflect the attitudes to risk of the patients who will live with the outcomes. Informed consent to investigations or treatment is impossible without an understanding of risk. Good risk communication reduces the possibility of litigation.