Biomarkers, Patient Communication, and the Future of Care

Experts discuss the approach to explaining NFL results to patients and their families. Experts emphasize the importance of clear communication, discussing the significance of the biomarker, and ensuring that patients understand the implications of the test results.

They describe the process of explaining NFL results to patients and their families. They focus on the need to provide context regarding why the test is conducted, what the results mean, and potential actions based on the outcomes. Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, emphasizes the importance of a collaborative discussion, addressing lifestyle factors, medication adherence, and overall health. Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, uses visual aids such as sketches to enhance patient understanding. Additionally, he mentions the challenge of patients sometimes receiving test results before the physician, highlighting the necessity of proactive communication. He touches on the idea of establishing reference values for individual patients, considering factors such as age and comorbidities, to better interpret NFL levels.