Factors influencing patients' receptiveness to evidence-based recommendations during the clinical encounter

Abstract

Aim: To identify the factors that promote or interfere with evidence-based clinical decisions from the patient perspective. Materials & methods: We developed four hypothetical scenarios with clinical decisions, such as whether to pursue testing for a chronic condition. We conducted eight focus groups to better understand the influences on individuals' decisions in the context of the scenarios. Results: A patient's relationship with a physician emerged as the strongest influence on whether participants would accept or reject a physician's recommendation. Various patient characteristics and a patient's financial capacity were also important influences. Conclusion: Our findings point to the potential for interventions that improve communications and relationships between physicians and patients to promote evidence-based care.