Man Yi | China Sichuan University
Wendy Gill | Australia Alliance Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
Robert Carvalho da Silva | Brazil Instituto Implanteperio , Consolação
On their first visit , how often are patients eager to learn about treatment details ?
Most of the time . And I prefer to explain the pros and cons of possible treatment options thoroughly on the first visit .
Has patient behavior changed recently ?
More patients search the Internet for medical information and may consult several specialists before making a decision . They might be aware of various options but not the details or differences .
Should every patient hear everything about therapies ?
Every patient should be informed of all possibilities . Especially for patients with higher expectations or risks , it ’ s necessary to spend more time to build trust and prepare them for possible outcomes .
What are the most convincing patient information tools ?
Visual information , e . g ., videos or clinical cases help the patients understand the protocols . Also , digital esthetic mockups are valuable aids .
Will PRO become more important in the future ?
Yes . Different treatment protocols may lead to similar clinical results , but there could be a big difference in patient experience . PROs help us better understand patient perspectives .
On their first visit , how often are patients eager to learn about treatment details ?
Patients are usually interested in outcomes and not clinical details . Once they are satisfied about treatment , the main concerns are pain and cost .
Has patient behavior changed recently ?
The number of patients who are anxious seems to have decreased mainly because they have been able to establish what is reliable information on the internet .
Should every patient hear everything about therapies ?
I always explain my reasonings for planned treatment , outline the individual patient ’ s risk factors and discuss where patients ’ anxieties lie .
What are the most convincing patient information tools ?
Predictability , longevity of results and clinical experience are probably the top of the list . Additionally , having multiple healthcare providers ( e . g ., hygienist ) involved in discussions is also helpful .
Will PRO become more important in the future ?
It is an important topic in Australia at the research level . We need to be aware of the data available for PROs and be able to explain to patients what this means in real , clinical terms .
On their first visit , how often are patients eager to learn about treatment details ?
In Brazil , patients want to know all possible treatment options , considering the cost , time , morbidity and effectiveness .
Has patient behavior changed recently ?
The “ aware ” kind of patients are much more common nowadays . People rely more on science and know the treatment options have increased over time , as information is more accessible ( e . g ., Google and dentists ’ social media ).
Should every patient hear everything about therapies ?
I always explain everything to my patients regarding cost , morbidity , time …, it ’ s very important . Here in Brazil we say that “ if you talk first , it ’ s explanation ; if you talk later , it ’ s an excuse .”
What are the most convincing patient information tools ?
In direct patient conversation for sure the best way to demonstrate that a given treatment is valid is case presentation with pre- and post-treatment images .
Will PRO become more important in the future ?
For sure . It may encourage other patients to accept treatment . Comfort immediately post-surgery and in the long run are key to patient treatment acceptance .
OUTSIDE THE BOX 29