A study conducted by researchers at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute and the Dartmouth Center for Health Care Delivery Science suggests certain factors, including patients' fear of being labeled "difficult," could hamper shared decision making.
Researchers conducted six focus group interviews with patients to learn more about how they perceived communicating with physicians about medical decisions. The researchers noted that while study participants were mostly Caucasian, educated and high earners, "it is difficult to imagine that people who are less well-off would not share these concerns."
Results from the focus groups revealed the following:
• Patients perceived "questioning a physician's advice or recommendations" as a challenge to authority that most wanted to avoid, for fear of "displeasing" or "disappointing."
• Many participants also felt that their physicians perpetuated this authoritarian stereotype.
• To cope with this, participants described doing their own research about treatment options and bringing social support to medical consultations to make the best use of the limited time available.
The study authors concluded that while most physicians may not be aware of these concerns, healthcare providers must do more to ensure patients are comfortable with expressing the opinions and disagreeing with suggested treatment options.
Researchers conducted six focus group interviews with patients to learn more about how they perceived communicating with physicians about medical decisions. The researchers noted that while study participants were mostly Caucasian, educated and high earners, "it is difficult to imagine that people who are less well-off would not share these concerns."
Results from the focus groups revealed the following:
• Patients perceived "questioning a physician's advice or recommendations" as a challenge to authority that most wanted to avoid, for fear of "displeasing" or "disappointing."
• Many participants also felt that their physicians perpetuated this authoritarian stereotype.
• To cope with this, participants described doing their own research about treatment options and bringing social support to medical consultations to make the best use of the limited time available.
The study authors concluded that while most physicians may not be aware of these concerns, healthcare providers must do more to ensure patients are comfortable with expressing the opinions and disagreeing with suggested treatment options.
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