Episode #28
Decoding Risk Series: Part 3 - The Words that Trick Our Brains
Decoding Risk Series — Part 3: The Words That Trick Our Brains When you read that a side effect is "common" or "rare", what do those words actually mean? For many patients, these terms can trigger fear and uncertainty because the way we interpret risk often differs from how clinicians and researchers use the same language. In Part 3 of the Decoding Risk series, Danielle Boyle is joined by haematologist Dr Danny Hsu to explore one of the biggest communication gaps in healthcare: risk terminology. Together, they unpack: what medical terms like common , uncommon , rare , and very rare actually mean; why patients often overestimate the likelihood of side effects; the surprising research behind how people interpret risk words; practical ways to visualise and understand risk more accurately; and how asking one simple question can completely change the conversation about treatment decisions. Using real-world analogies and examples, this episode helps make confusing medical language far more understandable and empowering. If you've ever looked at a medication leaflet, heard a doctor describe a side effect as "common," and immediately assumed it was likely to happen to you, this episode is for you. Support the show Thanks for listening to Beyond the Count For more information, resources and lived experiences about Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), visit ITPANZ.org.au . Follow us on social media: Instagram: @ITP_ANZ Facebook: facebook.com/ITPANZ LinkedIn: ITP Australia & New Zealand YouTube: @ITPANZ Subscribe to Beyond the Count on your preferred podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Do you have feedback or a story to share? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@itpaustralia.org.au
