Identifying best practices for disclosure of amyloid imaging results: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction Empirical studies on effective communication for amyloid disclosure in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are lacking. We aimed to study the impact of six communication strategies. Method We performed a randomized controlled trial with seven randomly assigned, video-vignette conditions: six emphasizing a communication strategy and one basic condition. All showed a scripted consultation of a neurologist disclosing positive amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) scan results to an MCI patient. Healthy individuals (N = 1017; mean age +/- SD 64 +/- 8, 808 (79%) female) were instructed to imagine themselves in the video, answered questionnaires assessing information recall, emotional state, and behavioral intentions, and evaluate the physician/information. Results Risk best practice resulted in highest free recall compared to other strategies (P < .05), except emotional support. Recall in emotional support was better compared to basic-' and elaborate information(P < .05). Risk best practice resulted in the highest uncertainty (P < .001). Teach-back and emotional support contributed to the highest evaluations (P -values < .01). Conclusion Risk communication best practices, attending to emotions, and teach-back techniques enhance information recall of amyloid-PET results, and could contribute to positive care evaluations.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of six communication strategies on amyloid disclosure in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. It found that risk communication best practices resulted in the highest information recall, while recall in emotional support was better than the basic and elaborate information strategies. Risk communication best practices also led to the highest uncertainty, while teach-back and emotional support contributed to the highest evaluations of the physician and information. Overall, risk communication best practices, attending to emotions, and teach-back techniques enhance information recall and contribute to positive care evaluations for amyloid-PET results.