the meaning of "likely effects"

[optimistic pessimist]

Dear all,

This sentence is from a passage that suggests human touch is very important in medicine.

"Even such an elementary form of consideration for the patient as explaining the likely effect of a treatment can have an impact on the outcome."

I'd like to ask about "the likely effect of a treatment".

Does this imply only positive effects, or both positive and negative effects such as side effects?

Thank you!

OP

[Raymott]

Dear all,

This sentence is from a passage that suggests human touch is very important in medicine.

"Even such an elementary form of consideration for the patient as explaining the likely effect of a treatment can have an impact on the outcome."

I'd like to ask about "the likely effect of a treatment".

Does this imply only positive effects, or both positive and negative effects such as side effects?

Thank you!

OP

'Likely' means 'probable'. The probable effects of a treatment are those effects which are likely to occur. Yes, that includes all probable/likely effects.