A 2009 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine asserted that abnormal test results were NOT communicated to patients in approximately ___% of cases.

The assertion from the 2009 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicates that abnormal test results were not communicated to patients in approximately 7% of cases. This statistic underscores the importance of effective communication in healthcare, particularly regarding the delivery of critical health information.

Communication failures can lead to significant consequences for patient outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for healthcare providers to establish reliable systems to ensure patients receive timely and accurate information about their test results. Effective communication includes not only informing patients of results but also discussing implications and subsequent steps. The study’s finding is noteworthy because even a small percentage like 7% reflects a substantial number of patients who might be left unaware of important health issues, which could impact their treatment decisions and overall health management.

Understanding this statistic helps healthcare professionals recognize the need for improving their practices to minimize lapses in communication, thereby enhancing patient safety and care quality.