Communication of the Diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the Views of Patients and Family Members, a Qualitative Analysis.

The communication needs of patients and family members described during the clarification of the diagnosis and prognosis of SMA predominantly involve empathic factors related to the attitude of the attending physician throughout the evolution of the disease. Future research evaluating other neurodegenerative diseases and the development of research protocols are important to improving communication between physicians, patients, and family members.