Brain tumor on MRI - to show or not to show to the patient?

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Consider the following case:
A 50-year-old man presents to the emergency department following a seizure. Other symptoms include progressive headache, nausea, and dizziness. The patient underwent a brain MRI and the radiological images are forwarded to you, the neurosurgery specialist/resident.

A contrast MRI reveals a nonhomogenic lesion with surrounding edema as shown below.

Having seen the brain scans, you will now meet the patient for the first time to report on the radiological findings. Based on your personal experience, which role do the MR images play in this conversation? *

I usually do not show MR images when communicating the findings unless patient asks to see them.

I offer the patient whether he would like to see the MR images.

I usually show the MR images to the patient without asking him.

Other:

How do specific situations as listed below influence your decision to show MR images to the patient when reporting on the radiological findings? (refers to brain tumors only) *

Usually not show images unless patient asks to see them.

Offer patient whether he/she would like to see images.

Usually show images without asking.

Patient age >60y.

Patient age <40y.

Patient is very anxious

Patient has read a lot about brain tumours on the internet

Patient does not ask questions during the conversation

Patient has high socioeconomic status

Patient has low socioeconomic status

Patient's relatives are present in the room

Patient is otherwise healthy

Tumor entity most likely GBM

Tumor entity most likely meningioma

Tumor is inoperable

Usually not show images unless patient asks to see them.

Offer patient whether he/she would like to see images.

Usually show images without asking.

Patient age >60y.

Patient age <40y.

Patient is very anxious

Patient has read a lot about brain tumours on the internet

Patient does not ask questions during the conversation

Patient has high socioeconomic status

Patient has low socioeconomic status

Patient's relatives are present in the room

Patient is otherwise healthy

Tumor entity most likely GBM

Tumor entity most likely meningioma

Tumor is inoperable

How frequently do you show MR images to the patient when reporting on the radiological findings? (refers to brain tumors only) *

0-25%

26-50%

51-75%

76-100%

If you prefer to show MR images to the patient, please specify why. (refers to brain tumors only)

helps the patient understand his/her condition and following procedures

seeing the lesion helps the patient emotionally cope with his/her condition

builds trusting relationship between me and the patient

Other:

If you prefer not (!) to show MR images to the patient, please specify why. (refers to brain tumors only)

may increase worry and discomfort in the patient

the patient will not understand the MRI

Other:

How many years have you been practising? *

≤5 years

6-15 years

16-25 years

≥25 years

What is your gender? *

Female

Male

Non-binary

Prefer not to say

Other:

In which country do you practice? *

Do you practice in an urban or rural hospital? *

Urban

Rural

Other:

We thank you for taking the time to take part in this survey!

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