Factors associated with evidence-based decision-making among patients and providers

Abstract

Aim: For comparative effectiveness research to achieve its purpose, providers and patients must use research evidence to make medical decisions. Therefore, this study examined factors associated with evidence-based decision-making by patients and providers. Methods: Data were collected via cross-sectional online surveys of patients (n = 603) and providers (n = 628) between November 2011 and January 2012. Results: For both patients and providers, evidence-based medical decision-making is associated with perceptions, that is, some combination of self efficacy, attitudes and opinions. However, whereas knowledge is the most consistent factor associated with decision-making for providers, it is not associated at all for patients. Conclusion: Efforts to promote evidence-based medical decision-making among patients and providers should focus on skills training to improve self efficacy, and messages that highlight the benefits of patient engagement in medical decisions.