Shared-decision making in general practice: do patients with respiratory tract infections actually want it?

BACKGROUND There is conflicting evidence on whether patients wish to be involved in medical decisions. METHODS We interviewed 636 ambulatory patients with acute respiratory tract infections in cantons Basel-Stadt and Aargau. We asked whether they agreed with two statements that are the antithesis of shared-decision making. We used proportional odds regression to investigate how agreement with these two statements is associated with patient characteristics and with patient satisfaction and enablement. RESULTS Many patients (66%) supported leaving decision making to their physician. These patients were more likely to be satisfied with the consultation and scored higher on enablement. Patients whose responses were consistent with a preference for shared-decision making were more likely to be younger, better educated and in more discomfort. CONCLUSION Patients consulting a general practitioner for acute respiratory tract infections should be invited to participate in decision making although many may choose to decline.