Saying "no" to professional recommendations: client values, beliefs, and evidence-based practice

The purpose of this article is to explore the phenomenon of saying "no" to secondary prevention recommended by healthcare providers.

Extracted findings from two qualitative studies in which participants have said "no" to provider recommendations for secondary prevention, specifically screening mammograms or treatment for latent tuberculosis infection, are discussed.

Although these two studies focus on different aspects of secondary prevention, both studies emphasize how client values and beliefs impact health decisions. In evidence-based practice (EBP), both scientific evidence and client values and beliefs must be considered. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have the skill set and are in a position to assist clients to mediate between their values and beliefs and current scientific evidence.

Several findings from the two qualitative studies are relevant for practice: qualitative studies provide information about values and beliefs for EBP, and findings from these particular qualitative studies demonstrated that women were protective about their health even though their values and beliefs did not align with current scientific evidence. Through client narratives, NPs can facilitate clients aligning personal values and beliefs with current scientific evidence in relationship to caring for self.