Why One Number Isn’t Enough for Patients
Adding a comparison number may help patients interpret risk and make better decisions.
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By
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Kerri Miller
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March 5, 2026
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Objective:
To highlight the importance of providing comparative risk numbers to patients for better understanding and decision-making.
Key Findings:
- Patients find risk numbers more meaningful when they are presented alongside a comparative figure.
- Risk perceptions change based on whether the comparison is higher or lower than average.
- Silence about alternatives can inflate perceptions of treatment effectiveness.
Interpretation:
Providing a second number alongside a risk statistic helps patients better understand their health risks and treatment options.
Limitations:
- The article does not address potential barriers to implementing this communication strategy in clinical practice.
- It does not explore the impact of individual patient differences on the interpretation of comparative numbers.
Conclusion:
Using comparative statistics can enhance patient understanding and improve decision-making in healthcare.
