Should radiologists talk to patients?

KIE: Radiologists often are relectant to discuss their findings with patients, reasoning that the patients are only temporarily under their care, and that the diagnosis is better communicated by the referring physician. In this study, National Health Service patients, radiologists, and clinicians were surveyed to determine their views on what radiologists should discuss with patients after performing barium studies. The patients, many of whom feared cancer, overwhelmingly preferred to be told the findings immediately by the radiologist. The opinions of the radiologists and clinicians on disclosure varied depending on whether a malignancy was discovered. Given patient anxiety when cancer is a possible diagnosis, the authors recommend that radiologists communicate normal or nonmalignant findings immediately. When a malignancy is discovered, radiologists and clinicians should consult as soon as possible so that patients may be told quickly and privately.^ieng