LAUSR

Delivering imaging results to cancer patients is an important aspect in their overall management. This duty is shared by all healthcare providers and could be considered as a good medical practice. However, currently no guidelines or legislation addressing the content and magnitude of information to be delivered to patients are available. Cancer patients are more likely to suffer from psychological distress and every new investigation could potentially further their stress related to uncertainties associated with their outcomes. The patients know that PET exams significantly impact the decision-making process. Furthermore, patients tend to find imaging reports as more objective than other medical test results, and they perceive them as the most conclusive evidence for their condition. Hence, they are particularly keen on enquiring about the results on the day of the PET procedure itself [1]. So, what would be the best approach towards sharing the imaging findings and interpretation with the patients while respecting the ethical principles and professional responsibility at their highest standards [2]? According to the principle of autonomy, patients should participate in every medical decision related to their health, implying discussion and proper communication of information. The principle of beneficence states that physicians must strive to provide benefit to patients, alleviate anxiety, and provide support in situations of vulnerability. Non-maleficence can be achieved by ensuring avoidance of unnecessary suffering by the patients, while the principle of justice advocates equal consideration and access to healthcare for all. One must remember that the patient-nuclear physician relationship is relatively unique since the physicians often lack insights into the patient’s actual psychological state, personality, level of knowledge, and awareness regarding their own disease. Moreover, the post-examination interaction could be limited due to radioprotection or logistic constraints. A recently performed French survey revealed a wide heterogeneity in practices [3]. One of the proposed approaches would be to set up pre-announced consultations in order to prepare patients to handle information pertaining to their health while consulting their referring physician, especially those asking for their results. For a maximal empathy and efficacy, these consultations must take place in a dedicated space with trained and motivated personnel with an awareness of ethical and moral issues and considering possible relevant cultural differences affecting the practitioner–patient communication exchange. In order to meet these requirements, it is therefore important to organize specific training programs dedicated to the announcement of results. These programs could provide communication tools and strategies in delivering terrible news to the patients. Ethical and communication skills may also be added to post-degree university curricula of nuclear physicians via taught courses and seminars. All could be coordinated at national and European level. * Sandra Gonzalez [email protected]