Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
-
'Have I got a fracture or a break doctor?' remains a commonly posed question in fracture clinics, suggesting that patients frequently feel a 'fracture' and a 'break' are two separate entities. This apparent misconception amongst fracture clinic patients may result in confusion and occasionally anger that doctors appear to have inconsistent views on the severity of their injury. Compliance and outcome of patient care can also be affected by poor communication. ⋯ The majority of patients believed that there was a difference between a 'fracture' and a 'break'. Access to information leaflets did not appear to alter this misconception. Verbal communication and explanation may be more beneficial and practical than visual aids and leaflets in overcoming this problem.