Points of view
Five questions for five experts We asked five clinicians from five countries about patient information, Patient Report Outcome (PRO) and impacts on good long-term prognosis.
Irena Sailer | Switzerland
Nigam Buch | India
University of Geneva
Sanjivani Dental Treatment Centre
On their first visit, how often are patients eager to learn about treatment details?
On their first visit, how often are patients eager to learn about treatment details?
Patients are very eager to know about all benefits and risks as well as the long-term outcomes of the treatments, and potential treatment alternatives are always part of the information.
Patients tend to come to us with expectations that treatments can be accomplished without much pain or time. But once we explain their radiographs and clinical options, they want to know more.
Has patient behavior changed recently?
Has patient behavior changed recently?
The amount of information the patients arrive with for the first consultation has changed. Information is very often found on the internet, and patients can be significantly influenced before learning real details from healthcare providers.
The pandemic has impacted patients opting for more economic solutions. But more and more patients are asking for more predictable solutions with less time spent in the dental office.
Should every patient hear everything about therapies? I always explain all possibilities and document in the patient records that I have done so. This is a very important part of treatment documentation.
What are the most convincing patient information tools? Check out
Patient Information. Share how you do it!
Case examples are always great to have. They are very illustrative. We have developed a set of overview tables with data and indications, published in our recent book (Quintessence Publishing 2021)
Will PRO become more important in the future? Absolutely. Documentation is also important for legal and other reasons.
Should every patient hear everything about therapies? That depends on the patient’s age, medical condition, willingness to undergo complex treatment and finances, which are becoming important post-pandemic.
What are the most convincing patient information tools? Patients are more convinced after hearing success stories from their neighbors, family, friends or relatives and put complete faith in their doctors.
Will PRO become more important in the future? It is the most important feedback. It boosts moral, provides satisfaction for the hard work of the entire team and improves practice reputation.
