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.