IQ (Interesting Quote)

"Physicians predicted a 'great improvement' of quality of life after surgery for 79% and 'moderate' improvement for 20% ... despite clear average improvement, surgeons tended to give overly optimistic predictions that were not correlated with patient outcome at 1-year follow-up."

- Results from a recent study comparing physician predictions with outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for low back pain and sciatica. According to the study, 56% of patients whose surgeons predicted "a great deal of improvement" reported no significant improvement in their health one year after surgery.

SOURCE: Graz B, Wietlisbach V, et al. Prognosis or "curabo effect?" Physician prediction and patient outcome of surgery for low back pain and sciatica. Spine, June 15, 2005;30(12):1448-52.