How much information do patients wish to have?

Every patient has the right to as much information as he or she requires. The objective of this book is to provide relevant information to assist patients with gynaecological problems. For some the information provided will seem too much whilst others may require more. It is impossible to achieve the right balance for everyone.

I was once invited to spend an afternoon (three hours) teaching a group of medical students the basics of about a third of gynaecological issues. The subjects included benign ovarian tumours, fibroids, heavy periods, vaginal prolapse, urinary incontinence and vaginal discharge. Twenty minutes was allocated to each subject. My slide collection provided a bank of teaching material and I prepared a further twenty slides to cover any gaps.

These days it is not only the students who are evaluated. A few months after the teaching session I received a summary of the student assessments of that afternoon. Reassuringly, there were some students who were entirely happy with the content and presentation. A few felt that too much ground had been covered and they had difficulty making adequate notes. Others, however, suggested that all the areas I had covered could have been found in standard textbooks and that rather than attempting a teaching session on basic issues, they would have preferred to have heard about current controversy and debate.

Most patients, although not all, are keen to receive information. There remains some professional belief that the information that doctors provide for their patients is easily understood and remembered. There is, however, a wealth of literature to the contrary. Patients may forget information given to them even within a short time of leaving the consulting room. Thirty years ago, one study reported that not one patient remembered everything, and, on average, less than half the information was recalled.

When information packages are given to patients to take away with them their subsequent recall is enhanced. Information leaflets are the most frequently provided aids to memory although some clinics offer audiocassettes, videocassettes and even computer assisted programs. Information which helps patients understand their medical problems and treatment has been proven to reduce suffering, improve compliance with treatment, promote early and successful recovery and increase patient satisfaction. For some years the author has provided information leaflets. For the preparation of these leaflets, a list was made of the most frequent questions that patients ask and my typical answers.

A medical textbook has many references to the original sources of information and opinions, usually articles in medical journals or books. Doctors and nurses appreciate that there may be variation in opinion as to the significance of information and views on the best approach to solving problems just as artists have there own characteristic techniques for producing a picture. It is often tempting for patients to believe that there is always a simple and immediate explanation for their problems and a guaranteed, uncomplicated remedy that could be administered once to provide a perfect cure. The medical profession would always wish to oblige but we are all too aware of current limitations.

Women's Health

Please click on the required question.

Women's Health

Please subscribe to receive our FREE women's health newsletter. STAY UP TO DATE on the important issues affecting YOUR HEALTH.
First Name:
Family Name:
Email:
Profession:
Country:
Age:

Thank you for choosing to visit us.

This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.