Risk Communication/Numeracy
Communication of risk is a distinct element in health communication that requires close attention. Supporting patients to understand relative risks will improve their ability to make informed decisions about their health. This is especially the case where treatment options and decision outcomes are being considered. Understanding the risk of harm vs the potential benefit allows patients and health professionals to make better treatment decisions. Some practical tools are provided below.
Icon Arrays
Evidence-based interactive tool which can be used in face-to-face consultations to communicate risk information. This tool may not be appropriate for communicating about very small risks.
Helping Patients make Informed Decisions: Communicating Benefits and Risks, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
A 2-hour e-learning module to support you to develop and refine your skills in communicating effectively about the benefits and risks of treatment options with patients.
Bonner, C., Trevena, L. J., Gaissmaier, W., Han, P. K. J., Okan, Y., Ozanne, E., Peters, E., Timmermans, D., & Zikmund-Fisher, B. J. (2021).
Current Best Practice for Presenting Probabilities in Patient Decision Aids: Fundamental Principles. Medical Decision Making doi.org/10.1177/0272989X21996328
Trevena, L. J., Bonner, C., Okan, Y., Peters, E., Gaissmaier, W., Han, P. K. J., Ozanne, E., Timmermans, D., & Zikmund-Fisher, B. J. (2021).
Current Challenges When Using Numbers in Patient Decision Aids: Advanced Concepts. Medical Decision Making. doi.org/10.1177/0272989X21996342
Medendorp, N., Stiggelbout, A., Aalfs, C., Han, P., Smets, E., & Hillen, M. (2021).
A scoping review of practice recommendations for clinicians’ communication of uncertainty. Health Expectations. doi:10.1111/hex.13255
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards Second Edition, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Health Literacy: A Summary for Clinicians, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care