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Table 2 Communication strategies and perceived patient factors

From: Communicating cardiovascular disease risk: an interview study of General Practitioners’ use of absolute risk within tailored communication strategies

 

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)