Over the past few years there has been a move in medicine to involve patients more in their own care and decision-making. To assess how patients actually feel about this trend, U.S. researchers interviewed 2,750 people (56% female, 14.5 African American, and 7.3% Hispanic). They were asked their general opinion toward decision-making and whether their responses might depend on specific instances where they have to make important decisions about their health.

The vast majority (96%) said they wanted to know their options, but almost half (44%) preferred to rely on their doctor’s knowledge and not try to find out about their condition on their own. As well, more than half (55%) said they preferred to leave decisions about their medical care to their doctor.

The answers did not vary according to income or health insurance status, but those with a better education, and women, preferred to share decision-making with their doctors than the less educated and men. Those who described their health as excellent were more likely to be self-reliant whereas those who said their health was poor preferred to rely on their doctor for advice. Respondents older than 45 years preferred to rely on their doctor’s advice, and this preference increased with age.

Source:
Levinson W, et al. Not all patients want to participate in decision making. A national study of public preferences. J Gen Intern Med 2005;20:531-535.