Data show that the more patients actually know, the less…
““Data show that the more patients actually know, the less they want of our treatments at the end of life. A study of 230 surrogate decision makers for patients on breathing machines demonstrated that the better the quality of clinician–family communication, the less life support was elected. Another study showed that people were less likely to want CPR after they learned what it actually entailed. Most people dramatically overestimate the likelihood of survival after CPR. When they learn the real numbers, they are less likely to want it by about 50 percent. In short, when people have a more robust understanding of the benefits and burdens of the treatment they are actually getting, they want less of it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Better communication about treatment realities reduces patients' desire for aggressive end‑of‑life interventions.
In simple terms: Clear info lowers aggressive care demand.
Key Takeaway
Improve clinician‑family communication.
Themes
healthcare
communication
end‑of‑life care
Mood
empathetic
informative
Type
clinical
educational
When to use this quote
- hospital settings
- advance care planning
- patient education
Key Concepts
shared decision‑making
risk perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians convey difficult facts compassionately?
- What barriers exist to honest conversations?
A Different Perspective
Patients may still fear death despite data.