Conditional adherence after medical recommendation and the attraction of additional information

This study introduces conditional adherence (CA) as the patients' inclination toward additional information sources instead of unconditionally adhering to treatment. The study examined how medical decision-making practices are associated with CA and the intention to turn to various information sources.

Scenario survey data (N = 1935) were used to analyse the association between decision-making practices and patients' intentions to seek additional information from either formal or informal sources.

Additional information was preferably acquired from the attending physician without the intention to seek additional information elsewhere. Shared decision-making (SDM) decreased the likelihood of CA and especially the need to consult other formal sources. Other kind of decision-making practices were associated with a higher likelihood of CA. Decisional conflicts from previous medical appointments associated with seeking information from informal sources.

Turning to additional formal information sources associates with appointments lacking the element of SDM. However, turning to informal information sources is more significantly associated with prior experiences of contradictory treatment recommendations.

SDM and open communication between the physician and the patient are underscored in the objective of treatment adherence. CA may be prevented by participating patients to decision-making and identifying possible trust issues concerning also prior medical decisions.