Medicine Quote by Ian Harris
““Relatives and patients also want something to be done, rather than ‘nothing’ (which is how they perceive non-operative treatment).””
About This Quote
Source Medical Journal Article: Patient Preferences, 2020
Patients and relatives often prefer active treatment over inaction, even when surgery isn’t an option.
In simple terms: People want something done, not nothing.
Key Takeaway
Address expectations clearly.
Themes
patient care
decision‑making
expectations
Mood
empathetic
clinical
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- pre‑operative counseling
- palliative care discussions
- clinical trials
- hospital policy
Key Concepts
shared decision‑making
risk communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians balance hope with realistic outcomes?
- What communication strategies reduce demand for unnecessary procedures?
A Different Perspective
Overtreatment can cause harm.
