A hazard ratio or relative risk reduction sounds large when the baseline risk is small. When discussing treatment, give the absolute figures: how many people out of 100 are expected to benefit at a stated time, and how many experience a given side-effect.
For adjuvant therapy, add what the burden looks like during treatment and for how long. A short written summary after the consultation helps the family to understand the decision.
- Give absolute numbers for benefit and harm, out of 100 people
- State the time frame, such as five years
- Describe the likely side-effects and how long they last
- Offer a written summary for the family
Why it matters
The same relative reduction can mean very different things to a patient depending on baseline risk.
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