Patients’ reaction to the disclosure of rare dreaded adverse events

BackgroundPhysicians must frequently inform their patients of the risks of rare, but serious, adverse events (AEs).ObjectiveTo examine how patients react to the disclosure of rare AEs.MethodsOutpatients viewed a video of a physician describing a medication associated with a rare AE. Subjects then rated their worry, perceived chance of developing the AE, and willingness to take the medication.ResultsNon-White men were more likely to perceive a greater chance of developing the AE compared to White men [Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 3.37 (1.09–10.45)]; White women were more likely to be worried [2.00 (0.95–4.24)] and to perceive a greater chance of developing the [6.22 (2.50–15.50)], perceive a greater chance of developing the AE [6.27 (2.43–16.15)], and be less willing to take the medication [0.23 (0.09–0.59)], compared to White men.ConclusionsGender and ethnicity influence how patients react to disclosure of rare, but serious, AEs.Practice implicationsAn improved understanding of patients’ risk perceptions is required to inform the development of best practices to improve risk communication.