Key result
Providing a pamphlet and brief discussion about normal test results significantly increased mean reassurance scores compared to standard information (42.0 vs 35.8) in patients with chest pain.
Why the study?
Does providing information about normal test results before testing improve reassurance in patients with chest pain referred for an exercise stress test?
RCT (n=92)
randomised
Does providing information about normal test results before testing improve reassurance in patients with chest pain referred for an exercise stress test?
Absolute Event Rate: 42% vs 35.8%
Providing patients with a pamphlet and discussion about normal test results before an exercise stress test significantly improves reassurance and reduces subsequent reports of chest pain.
Supports routine pre-test education to boost reassurance before stress testing; extends communication research in cardiology.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether providing information about normal findings before a diagnostic test improves patients' reassurance and reduces anxiety about symptoms. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient cardiology clinic. PARTICIPANTS: 92 patients with chest pain referred for a diagnostic exercise stress test. INTERVENTION: Before undergoing testing patients were randomised to receive standard information (n=28; control group), a pamphlet explaining the function of the test and the meaning of normal test results (n=30; pamphlet group), or the pamphlet and a brief discussion about the meaning of normal test results (n=34; discussion group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was patients' reported reassurance on a 5 item scale immediately after the test and at one month. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients still with chest pain and still taking cardiac drugs at one month. RESULTS: The mean levels of reassurance after testing and feedback from the doctor were significantly higher in the discussion group (42.0, 95% confidence interval 39.7 to 44.2) than in the pamphlet (39.2, 36.1 to 42.3) and control groups (35.8, 31.6 to 39.9). This difference was maintained at one month. The proportion of patients still reporting chest pain at one month decreased significantly in the discussion group (to 17%) and pamphlet group (to 28%) but not in the control group (to 36%). A trend was for fewer patients in the discussion group to be taking cardiac drugs at one month. CONCLUSION: Providing patients with information about normal test results before testing can improve rates of reassurance and reduce the likelihood of future reports of chest pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN87589121 [controlled-trials.com].
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Petrie et al. (2007) conducted an RCT in chest pain (n=92). Pamphlet and brief discussion about normal test results vs. Standard information was evaluated on Patients' reported reassurance on a 5 item scale immediately after the test and at one month. Providing a pamphlet and brief discussion about normal test results significantly increased mean reassurance scores compared to standard information (42.0 vs 35.8) in patients with chest pain.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: