Uncertainty and patients' preferred role in decision making

Area of Science:

• Medical Decision Making
• Patient-Centered Care
• Hepatitis C Treatment

Background:

• Clinician interactions should align with patient decision-making styles for better outcomes.
• Understanding factors influencing patient role preference is crucial for tailored care.
• Patient participation in decision-making is linked to improved clinical results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between certainty regarding treatment initiation and preferred patient role in decision-making.
• To explore how a patient's confidence in starting treatment affects their desired level of involvement.

Main Methods:

• Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 142 patients undergoing hepatitis C treatment.
• Patient decision-making preferences were assessed using the Control Preferences Scale.
• Treatment certainty was quantified using an 11-point numeric rating scale.

Main Results:

• Patients uncertain about initiating treatment were significantly more likely to prefer shared decision-making roles (Role 2 or shared responsibility) compared to those certain.
• Uncertainty was associated with a higher preference for collaborative treatment selection over solely physician-directed choices.

Conclusions:

• Patient certainty about treatment initiation is associated with their preferred decision-making style.
• Physicians should assess patient uncertainty levels to appropriately tailor their input and guidance.
• Adjusting clinical communication based on patient certainty can enhance shared decision-making.