‘Number unnecessarily treated’ in relatie tot complicaties*

Physicians are legally and ethically compelled to present their patients with available evidence on the potentially beneficial and harmful effects of a proposed medical or surgical treatment.

This information, however, does not offer the patient a clear view of the pros and cons of one treatment option versus another, or even versus no treatment at all.

Explicitly stating the number of patients who will not benefit from the proposed treatment, in combination with the risk of a complication, may better inform patients and help them determine and express their treatment preference.

This may also help standardise the informed consent procedure.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.