Patients and tests - a study into patient understanding of blood tests ordered by their doctor.

Background Patient understanding of diagnostic tests is important in general practice. This study describes how patients understand information about their tests, using blood tests as an example. Method A survey of patients attending two hospital blood collection centres in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. Results An 89% response rate (n=135): 90% of patients understood the reasons for tests but only 19% could name them; 86% reported that their doctor explained their tests and 89% reported they understood their doctor's explanation. Doctors offered 35% of patients a copy of test results. Patients who knew their general practitioner were more aware of preparations needed for undertaking blood tests (p<0.001). Thirty-six percent would seek information from the people working at blood collection centres. Discussion Patients understood the reasons blood tests were ordered, although only a few could name them. A strong relationship was found between doctors explaining blood tests and patients understanding the reasons for tests. Nevertheless, information sharing was at a low level.