Patient perception of evidence-based therapeutic information guides

As part of the health transition to obtain greater involvement of patients in treatment decision-making, this study sought to assess the acceptability and utility of evidence-based therapeutic information guides designed for patients. The guide reviewed therapeutic options for heartburn, sore throat, and osteoporosis. Patients from three regions of Canada (ON, NS, BC) concerned with one of these conditions were given a guide by a participating physician or pharmacist. In a cross sectional survey, patients were interviewed via telephone about the usefulness, influence and main messages of the guide. INTERVIEWER 3.7 and SPSS were used to organize the data. Responses for all 3 guides are combined in the results. 1176 patients were interviewed. 66% reported that the information helped them make a treatment decision; 55% of the latter (424/773) reported the guide had a moderate to very large influence on their decision. Only 30% used the guide in conjunction with their physician or pharmacist. 29% reported making their treatment decision at home. Patients were receptive to and used evidence-based therapeutic information in personal treatment decisions but despite receiving the information from a health care professional, they involved the health care professional less than 1/3 of the time in making their treatment decision.