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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Aug 1.
Published in final edited form as: Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2013 Aug;10(4):330–335. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201304-080OC

Table 5.

Veterans’ Concerns regarding Pulmonary Nodule Communication and Possible Solutions

Concern Possible Solutions
Inadequate understanding of nodule biology Describe
  • Causes of nodules

  • Risk of lung cancer

  • Rationale for active imaging surveillance rather than biopsy

Use of jargon Use
  • Plain and simple language

  • Pictures

Notification by letter Notification in-person or via telephone
Inadequate knowledge of follow-up plan Provide
  • Date of follow-up imaging study in writing

Inadequate knowledge of when to contact the
PCP
Provide
  • List of signs and symptoms that should prompt contact

Inability to contact PCP or ask clarifying
questions
Provide alternative means of obtaining
information:
  • Written and/or online educational resources

  • Electronic communication methods