Communication strategy | |||
---|---|---|---|
‘Positive’ | ‘Scare tactic’ | ‘Indirect’ | |
GP perception of patient’s CVD risk | Lower | Higher | Low but lifestyle risk factors |
GP perception of patient motivation | Determined | Unmotivated | Resistant to change, do not understand risk |
GP perception of patient anxiety | Concerned | Dismissive | Overly anxious |
Aim of communication | Reassure and motivate patient | Scare patient into taking action | Avoid negative/confused reaction from patient |
How absolute risk is used | Reassure that current risk is low; show achievable future risk reduction | Emphasise current high risk; show increased future risk of CVD event | Use alternative risk formats (e.g. qualitative description of risk level, colour-coded risk chart) |