Patients' Preferences for Biopsy Result Notification in an Era of Electronic Messaging Methods

Abstract

Patient preference has shifted from face-to-face visit to discussion over the telephone because of a desire for rapid notification. Experience with online portal delivery of results favorably inclined patients toward that modality. We recommend that patients be queried regarding their notification preference on the biopsy consent form.

Do not assume that no news is good news: test result management and communication in primary care

“…Despite this, fewer than half of providers routinely report all results to patients,9 and one-third of physicians do not always notify patients of abnormal test results 4. Ideally, patient notification of test results should be timely, reflective of urgency and provide an opportunity for patients to ask questions 19. Patient preference appears to depend on two factors—test result ‘normalcy’ and its ‘emotional impact’, meaning that a diagnosis of metastatic cancer would likely have a greater emotional impact than would an abnormal vitamin D level 20…”

Improving Timely Resident Follow-Up and Communication of Results in Ambulatory Clinics Utilizing a Web-Based Audit and Feedback Module

“…7,[11][12][13] In general, both patients and providers are more likely to prefer follow-up visits if results are abnormal and/or carry a high emotional burden. 11,13 The .59…”

The Delivery Rates of Pathology Test Results to Patients: A Single-Center Experience in a Secondary Referral Center

“…The procedure is also essential in determining treatment direction and consultation with the patient. In other countries such as America and Britain, more than half of patients who had undergone a skin biopsy to diagnose potential malignant tumors preferred to receive the results through the quickest method (phone consultation)6 and 30% of patients suffered from mental stress waiting for the results, regardless of whether the tumor is malignant or not7. Therefore, timely and prompt delivery of pathology test results is essential in terms of patient safety.…”