[freehorse]

Anecdotally, when negative scenarios are probable, a strategy of the medical system is hiding them from the patient (until more progress is done, at least). I wonder if that is still a common occurence in the first place, and if it is, I wonder if it is really backed up by scientific evidence of this improving prognosis and outcome of surgeries (though in cases like OP's this seems sort of irrelevant anyway, same with types of terminal cancer), or it is just part of the convenience of the medical system, or part of the medical professionals overworking and not having time to explain and have a more involved discussion with patients (or maybe also not having people with the proper psychological training assigned to actually do that and guiding patients to face the death prospect).

[rootusrootus]

Probably situational. Maybe in-person it is more likely to be held until diagnosis is firm? Anecdotally, the raw results that get published to sites like MyChart are pretty to-the-point if you have any idea what you're looking for, and sometimes even for laypeople. My mom had a chest x-ray and the radiologist report came back with a great big, red, bolded "THIS IS A RED DOT CASE" stamped on it. The doctor called within a matter of minutes of that result being published. I had just barely finished googling the likely meaning of that phrase when the doc confirmed it.

[4star3star]

I have the same questions. If it's known that disclosing certain information will stastically lead to worse outcomes due to patient reaction, what do you prioritize - better possible outcome or patient autonomy over their own life decisions?