Risk disclosure prior to bronchoscopy

Risk disclosure prior to bronchoscopy

“…We read with interest the article by Uzbeck et al 1 demonstrating increased patient anxiety upon receiving detailed information regarding complications of bronchoscopy, in addition to the letter by Echavarria et al 2 documenting the consenting practices of 33 respiratory physicians in the north east of England. A wide variation in practice is identified.…”

“…In reviewing the Uzbeck paper and their local practice, Echavarria et al 2 feel that the appropriate balance between the disclosure of relevant risks and patient anxiety is one in which a high risk disclosure is advisable. However, it can be argued that this balance can only be struck in the knowledge of local and even personal bronchoscopic practice and performance, and that it is unethical to advise patients of risks that are neither serious nor common.…”