In a comprehensive interview conducted by Philip James from the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Dr. Greg Randolph from Harvard Medical School shares his insights on patient-centered approaches for treating thyroid nodules. The interview focuses on thyroid ablation, a procedure that treats thyroid nodules without surgery.
Dr. Randolph emphasizes the importance of not only measuring the volumetric reduction of the nodule after ablation but also considering patient-reported outcomes. These outcomes include the patient’s perception of the nodule, such as whether they still have a lump sensation in their neck or a visible lump. Despite the successful reduction of the nodule size on ultrasound, the patient may still perceive a visual or physical presence, thus it’s critical to include what’s meaningful for the patient in the outcomes.
He also discusses the importance of understanding a patient’s concerns and expectations. Whether it’s a benign nodule or a low-stage malignancy, each patient will have their own concerns and priorities. Some may fear the potential of a hidden cancer while others may be apprehensive about surgical procedures. Hence, the treatment decision should be apparent after a thorough discussion of the patient’s preferences and the medical realities.
Lastly, he stresses the importance of physicians offering a variety of treatment options. For benign nodules or small cancers, patients should have the option to select from different rational treatments. Dr. Randolph also advocates for spending adequate time with the patient, allowing them to ask questions and make informed decisions.
This patient-centered approach fosters a less paternalistic, more collaborative physician-patient relationship, ensuring that the patient’s desires and concerns are addressed during the treatment process.
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About Philip James
In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.
Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak.
The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, ‘tonglen’. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others.
About RFAMD
RFAMD is solely dedicated to helping healthcare organizations build deeper, enduring relationships with patients. Our team brings together expertise and insights to create enterprise-wide solutions that transform the patient experience.
With years of experience in understanding the patient’s journey, we can help healthcare organizations thrive in today’s patient-centered healthcare market. Our range of solutions includes smart, measurable patient acquisition programs, physician marketing touch-points that drive referrals into priority service lines, and credible, easy-to-digest content at the point of care and beyond, in patients’ preferred formats and languages.
We also provide brand strategies that increase patient preference and physician referrals and differentiate your brand in the market through reputation-building tools.
Our commitment is to enable providers and payers to deliver personalized care by activating, educating, and motivating patients to prioritize their health every day. As your strategic partner, we combine our unique capabilities and industry expertise to better engage patients at every step of their health journey.
Our goal is to help healthcare organizations achieve stronger patient and member outcomes, sustained improvements in brand reputation, measurable gains in market share, and increased revenue.
