Patients and tests: A study into patient understanding of blood tests ordered by their doctor

Marjan Kljakovic*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    13 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: Patient understanding of diagnostic tests is important in general practice. This study describes how patients understand information about their tests, using blood tests as an example. Method: A survey of patients attending two hospital blood collection centres in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. Results: An 89% response rate (n=135): 90% of patients understood the reasons for tests but only 19% could name them; 86% reported that their doctor explained their tests and 89% reported they understood their doctor's explanation. Doctors offered 35% of patients a copy of test results. Patients who knew their general practitioner were more aware of preparations needed for undertaking blood tests (p<0.001). Thirty-six percent would seek information from the people working at blood collection centres. Discussion: Patients understood the reasons blood tests were ordered, although only a few could name them. A strong relationship was found between doctors explaining blood tests and patients understanding the reasons for tests. Nevertheless, information sharing was at a low level.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)241-243
    Number of pages3
    JournalAustralian Family Physician
    Volume41
    Issue number4
    Publication statusPublished - Apr 2012

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