Risk communication in medicine

Authors

  • José Mendes Nunes Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC) NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Universidade NOVA de Lisboa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4000/cp.11386

Keywords:

risk communication, consultation, shared decision

Abstract

Risk communication (CR) is one of the biggest challenges for public health and in clinical practice.
The desire of health professionals and users is for the best decisions to be made. However, the way the clinician conveys information shapes the subject's choices. He can make choices that are not in line with the evidence revealed by science. Science can impose decisions on him that are not in line with their values. This messaging process involves a messenger, a message and a recipient who intends to decide on an action. Effective CR is central to an informed decision. In CR, the professional must be conscious of their attitudes towards decision making, in a clinical context, know the communication tools and adapt their behaviours to the patient's needs.
The present work focuses on CR in the face-to-face meeting between healthcare professionals and patients. Based on the narrative review of literature and the author's experience, the intent is to propose a structured strategy model for the CR process in clinical practice.

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Author Biography

  • José Mendes Nunes, Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC) NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Universidade NOVA de Lisboa

    Mestre em Comunicação em Saúde pela Universidade Aberta. Doutorado em Medicina pela NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. Professor Auxiliar Convidado da NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. Assistente Graduado Sénior de Medicina Geral e Familiar, na USF de Carcavelos do ACES de Cascais.

    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC)
    NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
    Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
    Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130
    1169-056 Lisboa

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Published

2021-08-06

Issue

Section

Special Dossier: Communicating Health – Fundamentals and Practices Towards a Bet

How to Cite

Risk communication in medicine. (2021). Comunicação Pública, 15(29). https://doi.org/10.4000/cp.11386