Let's talk about something important in surgery: goals of care (GOC) discussions. These chats are key to making sure patients get the treatment they truly want. But how well are we doing this? And how can we get better? First, let's think about why GOC talks matter. They help doctors and patients agree on what's best. But right now, these talks aren't always happeni...
Older adults juggling multiple health issues face a tough time when it comes to making healthcare decisions. Their preferences and the reasons behind their choices are often overlooked. This is a big problem because it means their needs might not be fully met. So, what exactly do these adults consider when faced with healthcare choices? What do these choices mean to...
Patients often need to decide where to go for their medical scans. This isn't always an easy choice. Some people prefer hospital outpatient radiology departments. Others go to retail radiology clinics. What makes one place better than the other? A recent study looked into this question. The study asked patients to pick their preferred imaging locations. They had to ...
Men with advanced prostate cancer have plenty of options when it comes to pills. But how do they choose? It's not just about what the doctor prescribes. There are other factors to consider. This piece looks at what matters most to these men when picking their treatment. First off, let's talk about the basics. Prostate cancer is a serious deal. When it advances, it m...
Medical decisions are tricky. Everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. This is especially true when considering patient preferences. So, how can doctors make the best choices for each individual? Well, a clever solution has been developed. It's a flexible system that can be tweaked to fit different groups of patients. This syst...
In China, many people suffer from multiple chronic conditions. They have to grapple with poor health and high mortality. To tackle this, the government has created several policies to help people access healthcare efficiently. But there is a hiccup, many of China's hospital-bound patients get more than they need. Part of the issue is that people are not educ...
Atopic dermatitis, or AD, is a persistent skin problem. It needs careful handling and effective treatment. The choices people with AD make about their skincare can be crucial. Enter social media, or SM - it's become more than just a fun place to hang out. With a vast amount of content, it's now a major go-to for skincare tips and healthy living ideas. This life chang...
In Korea, doctors are exploring a new way to manage low-risk thyroid cancer. Instead of rushing into surgery, they're considering an approach called active surveillance (AS). This means keeping a close eye on the cancer without immediate surgery. But not all doctors are ready to embrace this idea. A recent survey found several concerns. Let's dive into what's holding...
Think about what you see when you look at a woman's breasts. Yeah, it's a personal thing, right? Turns out, doctors need to think about this too, especially when treating breast cancer. They're not just focused on the health part; they're also considering how much of the breast each patient is comfortable showing in public. In the old days, there were strict rules a...