Decision-making in medicine.

Thanks. Found that interesting. Reminds me of the conversation with my consultant about a possible TKR. He’s the only person that has pointed out that there is a one in five chance that I might regret the operation and to look at what my life is like without having it done. Because of that I have more faith in him than someone who just encourages me to have it done.

I had a good conversation with a consultant some years ago too - but I'm a "facts" and "percentages" person so that is generally easier.

One in 5 is quite high it seems to me!
I'd want to see the studies but what did you decide?

I thought the "tools" or talking points lower down in the article might be useful to others.

“Conclusion: Based on our review, the average rate of patient dissatisfaction following TKA is 10%. Improved counseling for known risk factors may have reduced dissatisfaction rates by increasing preoperative patient optimization. Many studies in recent years have demonstrated the issue of poor patient coping skills, such as pain catastrophizing and anxiety/depression as a common cause of dissatisfaction. Ultimately, dissatisfaction following TKA still continues to affect a high portion of patients but less than historical reports of 20%”.
I think his comment was probably down to the fact that most people have a TKRbecause they’re in constant pain and I’m not, at least not when I’m not walking.

I had many conversations with my mum’s consultant.

His final conversation with me was if it was my mother, I would stop treatment and call the hospice

I followed his advice.

A consultant paediatrician I worked with, highly regarded and respected, said to me one time “Just because we have the expertise and knowledge to do something doesn’t mean we always should.”