Abstract Details

Title Physician Discussion Prior to Electromyography

Topic Clinical Neurophysiology

Presentation(s) P02 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 232

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: Patients are often apprehensive about nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). At our institution, we give a brochure to patients before testing. However, patients expressed that face-to-face time with a physician before these studies could be helpful.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: Patients undergoing NCS/EMG in May 2011 were randomized to physician face-to-face visit with brochure versus brochure alone. The physician discussed the tests, allowing time for patient questions. Following testing, patients rated experience with NCS/EMG on an ordinal scale. Patients in the study group also rated the helpfulness of physician discussion prior to testing. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test.

Results RESULTS: We enrolled 102 patients, 51 patients who had physician interaction prior to testing and 53 who did not. Ten control and eight study patients did have previous NCS and EMG studies. Results from the questionnaire are depicted below in Tables 1-5. Only 9% of study patients and 8% of controls found NCS unpleasant, this was not significantly different. Study patients were more likely to report EMG as better than expected versus just tolerable (p=0.02). Perception on quantity of information received as well as apprehension during the studies were not different between the two groups (p=0.53 and p=0.94, respectively). 94% of patients found that face-to-face discussion with a physician was helpful or very helpful.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: Face-to-face discussion with a physician prior to nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography is helpful for patients. The needle examination portion of the test was viewed to be a more positive experience in the study group. Electromyographers should consider addressing patient questions and concerns prior to the needle examination to optimize patient comfort.

Authors/Disclosures
Greg M. Thaera, MD (Austin Diagnostic Clinic) PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
Amy C. Nielsen, DO (The Neurology Center)	No disclosure on file
Srijana Zarkou, MD	Dr. Zarkou has nothing to disclose.
Alex Hlubocky, MD (NeuroDiagnostic Laboratories)	No disclosure on file
Mark A. Ross, MD, FAAN (Specialty Care)	No disclosure on file
Yu-Tze Ng, MD, FRACP, FAAN	No disclosure on file

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