Information provided to patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) at the first point of diagnosis in the hospital clinic: a survey of UK NHS scoliosis consultants

Results The response rate was 47%. The most common questions asked by service users related to aetiology (22.5%) prognosis (42.6%) general treatment (16.8%) surgery (12.4%) and parental guilt (5.6%). 78.6% of consultants said that patients were provided with written information provided by a member of staff and written by the Scoliosis Association UK in 61.5% of cases. 92% of consultants referred patients to relevant web sites. Surgeons stressed the importance for information to be evidence-based, address patients anxieties and counselling needs, provide clear natural history information and address ways of contacting other patients with AIS who have or have not undergone surgery.