Effect of providing information about normal test results on patients' reassurance: randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether providing information about normal findings before a diagnostic test improves patients' reassurance and reduces anxiety about symptoms.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Outpatient cardiology clinic.


METHODS
92 patients with chest pain referred for a diagnostic exercise stress test.


METHODS
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).


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


BACKGROUND
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN87589121 [controlled-trials.com].
Petrie
Keith J
KJ
Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand. kj.petrie@auckland.ac.nz
Müller
Jan Tobias
JT
Schirmbeck
Frederike
F
Donkin
Liesje
L
Broadbent
Elizabeth
E
Ellis
Christopher J
CJ
Gamble
Greg
G
Rief
Winfried
W
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D014342:Truth Disclosure