‘My doctor should decide’ – Predictors for healthcare users’ stated preferences regarding medical decision-making

Objectives: To investigate predictors for healthcare users’ declared decision control preferences and test their association with satisfaction in vignettes detailing various decision-making. Methods: Cross-sectional vignette survey within a representative general male population aged 45–70 years (response rate 30%). Survey vignettes illustrated different levels of patient involvement. Participants rated their satisfaction with healthcare illustrated and separately rated their ‘control preferences’. Comparisons were conducted with linear regression. Results: Preferring the doctor to predominantly or exclusively decide (1588/6755 respondents) was associated with older age, being single, lower education, having chronic illness, and living in low-income and less populated areas, with fewer non-western immigrants. Following adjustment, lower education and chronic illness remained statistically significant. Personalities with less openness had preference for least control. When presented with specific clinical scenarios, respondents preferring active or passive roles were equally satisfied with scenarios demonstrating shared decision-making. Discussion: Some groups of healthcare users were more likely to say that they preferred their doctor to decide. However, findings suggest that control preference statements, prior to facing a decision, should be interpreted with caution. Practical value: Study findings highlight that patients vary regarding their expressed wish for control in medical decision-making but they seem equally satisfied with shared decision-making scenarios.